Sulphates

[THEONE]

Can sulphates be used as an oxidizer, like potassium sulphate or ammonium sulphate ?

[Seymour]

Sometimes. While hard to ignite, they burn alright with metals, but I doubt they'll do anything much in an organic mix.

 

As a secondary oxidiser they are probably most useful.

[pyrowinner]

Yes,

Sulfates can be used as oxidizers in combination with very strongly reducing fuels.

Sulfates (reactions require high temperatures and strongly reducing fuels)

Barium sulfate – a high-temperature oxidizer for e.g. strobe compositions, a green colorant

Calcium sulfate – a high-temperature oxidizer for e.g. strobe compositions, a red-orange colorant; calcium salts used to deepen fireworks colors.

Potassium sulfate – a high-temperature oxidizer, a purple colorant

Sodium sulfate – a high-temperature oxidizer, a yellow colorant

Strontium sulfate – a high-temperature oxidizer, a red colorant

 

See more References of pyrotechnics fuels & Oxidizers:- http://en.wikipedia....nic_composition

Edited February 17, 2013 by pyrowinner

[mabuse00]

Sulphates are quite interesting if you live in a country where common oxidizers are not available for private persons.

 

[THEONE]

I was thinking if a good rocket fuel can be made with sulphates, like ammonium sulphate...

[AirCowPeacock]

Ammonium sulfate is an interesting idea. You'd need a good metal fuel for sure. I'd start with magnalium.. A very high temp initiator would be neccicary, like thermite.

[gregkdc1]

PROPEP is giving an isp of around 200 with a 65/35 ratio of sulfate to aluminum at 70 ATM , it has potential if you could get it to work. The exhaust has a lot of sulfur in addition to the high metal content so it should have a big bright flame, what you would expect at 4800 fahrenheit. The isp drops down to around 180-190 if you add a little binder. I may just have to try something like this.

 

I forgot to add that just because PROPEP says it will work doesn't mean that in the real world it will. Ammonium nitrate in similar proportions will have an even higher ISP and burn at a similar temp, but in reality it makes a lot of slag and wastes aluminum. Still the fact that aluminum and ammonium sulfate are so easily obtained I think it is worth looking into.

Edited February 18, 2013 by gregkdc1

[THEONE]

That also was my idea... as long as AP is hard to obtain and expensive. AN have many disadvantages.. (phase change, very hygroscopic e.t.c.) so maybe with a little work we will have a good rocket fuel with a good isp better than sugar fuel, and cheap.

 

A 50/30/20 ratio of sulphate/aluminium/HTPB has an Isp of 200 according to the propep

Edited February 18, 2013 by THEONE

[ollie1016]

I just thought I'd share this.

Anhydrous copper sulphate and fine magnesium powder make for a very loud and brisant report. The problem is that copper sulphate is very hydroscopic! So I have to wrap any of my copper sulphate fireworks in cling film! If done correctly this composition is as good as perchlorate and magnesium! Check out Dornier335A on YouTube and search for copper sulphate/ magnesium. He's got a very good channel.

[Th3thin9]

I tried burning Potassium Sulphate with a mixture of KNO3 and sugar, and I figured out that the Potassium Sulphate makes the flame SPARKLE, I suppose that it can inspire someone reading this to make a very hard to extinguish fuse, that the sparks re-ignite it.

[Arthur]

Calcium sulphate is quoted in an "underwater illuminating flare" formula found in lots of the usual sources. The other component is magnesium powder.

 

You'd have to check how well it works in other uses

!/ the reactive metals it seems to need will have to be coated,

2/ Hot fuels may not be best at making colours (esp blues!)

3/ there is no chlorine in there from oxidiser so there will have to be a chlorine donor.