NightPainter Posted May 2, 2011 Posted May 2, 2011 I made my first batch of stars by following the instructions for making rubber stars on SL's web site. 16 ozs. of brilliant green stars. Brilliant Rubber StarsBarium Nitrate .53Magnalium 100 - 325 mesh .19Parlon .17Red Gum .11 As per the instructions I put a coating of Hot Igniter start prime. Hot Igniter Star PrimePotassium Perchlorate .71Air Float Charcoal .14Red Gum .09Magnalium 100 - 325 mesh .06 I did a few tests lighting stars on the ground and found them very very easy to light. My question is, should I apply additional prime coats as per the instructions? I'm curious if it is really needed to ensure the stars light. I most likely will, if for no other reason than to coat the Barium Nitrate with Black powder parlon-star prime for safer handling. As a construction worker who has worked in chemical and Nuclear plants for years, I have excellent personal protection equipment and used it when working with Barium Nitrate. The stars burn very bright with excellent color. A 50/50 mix of 100 mesh Magnalium and 200-325 mesh magnalium gives a good burn time, not quite as fast as straight 200 - 325 magnalium. I also have some 30 - 60 mesh magnalium which I may add if I want to slow burn time a bit. Great satisfaction making these rubber stars for a 1st project since they don't require days of drying before you can test burn a few. I know folks don't like working with Barium Nitrate or acetone But I have safely worked with more hazardous chemicals and have extensive safety training in safe handling procedures. I'm going to make some green comets using Barium Carbonate and potassium perchlorate instead of the Barium nitrate.
Peret Posted May 2, 2011 Posted May 2, 2011 I have had more failure than success with barium nitrate stars. They need a really high temperature to light. I would follow the directions and prime them very heavily, because lighting on the ground and lighting in a few milliseconds from a break charge are two very different things.
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