pyroviper Posted June 2, 2012 Author Posted June 2, 2012 I may be wrong here, but I was under the impression that during Thermal Decomposition KCLO4 breaks down into KCLO3. If this is the case then the addition of sulfur would definetly increase the sensitivity once decomposition has started. I'm usually real hesitant about adding sulfur to anything that has chlorate in it's name, including perchlorate.
Potassiumchlorate Posted June 2, 2012 Posted June 2, 2012 The reaction is: 3KClO4 + 8Al = 3KCl + 4Al2O3 And the reaction with sulfur is: 4KClO4 + S8 = 4KCl + 8SO2 What you are thinking of is probably the forming of KClO4 by heating up KClO3.
Mumbles Posted June 2, 2012 Posted June 2, 2012 No reaction is ever that simple. I have no doubt that at some brief point during the decomposition of perchlorate some chlorate is produced during the break down. However, at that point things are probably so hot that any sulfur around really isn't going to make the slightest difference. Also, for what it's worth, the formula with potassium perchlorate and sulfur isn't entirely correct. Sulfur is known to cause chlorine to be liberated by potassium perchlorate. A more likely final product of potassium would be some quantity of potassium sulfide or sulfate mixed in with the chloride. Sulfur increases the sensitivity due to it's low melting point. The reaction really cannot get going in the solid state, so typically one component has to be molten to kick the reaction off. By adding low melting things like sulfur, lactose, etc. you increase ignition while also generally increasing sensitivity.
Potassiumchlorate Posted June 2, 2012 Posted June 2, 2012 Of course no chemical reaction is totally stochiometrically optimal, but the main reactions theoretically look like that. Some chlorine is undoubtedly set free, when potassium perchlorate reacts. That is even more the case with compositions with potassium chlorate or ammonium perchlorate, where you can often smell the chlorine or hydrochloric acid, depending on the type of composition.
pyroviper Posted June 3, 2012 Author Posted June 3, 2012 No reaction is ever that simple. I have no doubt that at some brief point during the decomposition of perchlorate some chlorate is produced during the break down. However, at that point things are probably so hot that any sulfur around really isn't going to make the slightest difference. Also, for what it's worth, the formula with potassium perchlorate and sulfur isn't entirely correct. Sulfur is known to cause chlorine to be liberated by potassium perchlorate. A more likely final product of potassium would be some quantity of potassium sulfide or sulfate mixed in with the chloride. Sulfur increases the sensitivity due to it's low melting point. The reaction really cannot get going in the solid state, so typically one component has to be molten to kick the reaction off. By adding low melting things like sulfur, lactose, etc. you increase ignition while also generally increasing sensitivity. I'm not sure if it's the Electronic igniters I am using, but it seems to take anywhere from a 1 to 3 seconds for the confined comp to report. I tend to lean more towards the comp than the igniters though considering they seem to light visco as soon as I hit the remote.Now this is with the 50/50 KCLO4 and MgAl comp without anything else added. With a splash off CC the reaction is almost instant. My remote wireless always has about a .5 reaction time, or comparable to the christmas tree changing from yellow to green. Just picked up a double load rock tumbler Friday finally (very proud moment for me lol), and now shopping around for some media. I'm still trying to figure out what to go with for the media. From what I am seeing the Hornady Premium Lead from Bass Pro Shop is looking promising.According to what I am seeing, it's hardened so should be usuable for some BP production. I really would like to get the Zirconia M, but I just can't justify spending $270.00 for 2kg. Found some on ebay for $25.00 a pound but it's only 3/8". After I get the ball mill sorted I do believe my next investment will be in a new firing system which is something I am not ready to undertake just yet lol. In closing, realizing that the topic of flash is more for the HE section of the forums I do believe I am going to let this topic die out. Thanks for clarifying that for me Mumbles. I know that many of you frown on the topic of flash due to the impact it has on the art in general so out of respectit would not bother me if you locked this topic out so that it can find it's way to the bottom of the barrel. Personally I am going to be moving more into the area of stars, and things that involve color and effects I will be continuing my research into the MgAl/KCLO4 comps though, so if I find anything new I will run it by yall in private to get your opinions and thoughts.
hct0194 Posted August 23, 2014 Posted August 23, 2014 I'm not sure if it's the Electronic igniters I am using, but it seems to take anywhere from a 1 to 3 seconds for the confined comp to report. I tend to lean more towards the comp than the igniters though considering they seem to light visco as soon as I hit the remote.Now this is with the 50/50 KCLO4 and MgAl comp without anything else added. With a splash off CC the reaction is almost instant. My remote wireless always has about a .5 reaction time, or comparable to the christmas tree changing from yellow to green. Just picked up a double load rock tumbler Friday finally (very proud moment for me lol), and now shopping around for some media. I'm still trying to figure out what to go with for the media. From what I am seeing the Hornady Premium Lead from Bass Pro Shop is looking promising.According to what I am seeing, it's hardened so should be usuable for some BP production. I really would like to get the Zirconia M, but I just can't justify spending $270.00 for 2kg. Found some on ebay for $25.00 a pound but it's only 3/8". After I get the ball mill sorted I do believe my next investment will be in a new firing system which is something I am not ready to undertake just yet lol. In closing, realizing that the topic of flash is more for the HE section of the forums I do believe I am going to let this topic die out. Thanks for clarifying that for me Mumbles. I know that many of you frown on the topic of flash due to the impact it has on the art in general so out of respectit would not bother me if you locked this topic out so that it can find it's way to the bottom of the barrel. Personally I am going to be moving more into the area of stars, and things that involve color and effects I will be continuing my research into the MgAl/KCLO4 comps though, so if I findanything new I will run it by yall in private to get your opinions and thoughts.Have you researched any more KCLO4/MGAL compositions?
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