crackling star without lead or bismuth

[superspike23]

hi,

 

I looked everywhere formulas to make crackling stars without using bismuth or lead .

I found this formula made ​​with Cuo.

 

CuO......70
MgAl.....30
dex.....5

 

Many people say it does not work.
I have not found a video of these stars.

Someone tried?

 

Thank u very much

[Zumber]

This is actually fake formula, It will not work at all without lead or Bismuth.

also crackling star formulas uses NC lacquer to form microstar out of it instead of dextrin.

[Respirator]

Crackling stars work by smouldering and then releasing Thor energy. This requires mgal and an oxidiser that helps mgal show its variable burn rate. I doubt that CuO would work as it is a relatively weak oxidiser and is fairly straightforward I.e. Either does not burn (organic comps) or does (thermite) I doubt that star would crackle. Maybe a white or subtle glitter though...

[jessoman]

Anyone have any thoughts on an Antimony Trioxide crackle? I have read about it somewhere before, but cannot remember where. Maybe someone else will have used it or have knowledge on it.

[schroedinger]

Hi

 

There are antkmony trioxide or tin oxide which can also be used for makigd DE. Go to the pyrolife foru they hqve god i for ation abut them.

[fredjr]

While I haven't personally made the formula in the first post, I have seen some commerical formulas that are very close. It's not a fake fomula. The size and shape of the MgAl plays a VERY important role as to whether it "crackles".

[Arthur]

There is an issue with Copper oxide thermites in that they sometimes go high order and spray molten copper around, SO, I suspect that there is something in the train of thought that developed the OP's quoted formula (wherever it was developed). However there will be a lot of trial and expense and error before you get something as simple and reliable as the usual Lead or Bismuth compounds using NC lacquer.

 

Remember that for most pyro once it "works" COST is the primary driving factor, hence lead is more common than bismuth. It's only of value to develop a new formulation if it's better or cheaper unless an ingredient goes off the market completely

[LambentPyro]

There is an issue with Copper oxide thermites in that they sometimes go high order and spray molten copper around, SO, I suspect that there is something in the train of thought that developed the OP's quoted formula (wherever it was developed). However there will be a lot of trial and expense and error before you get something as simple and reliable as the usual Lead or Bismuth compounds using NC lacquer.

 

Remember that for most pyro once it "works" COST is the primary driving factor, hence lead is more common than bismuth. It's only of value to develop a new formulation if it's better or cheaper unless an ingredient goes off the market completely

When you talk about thermite, I would have to say I experienced the same issue using a MnO₂ and 425 Mesh Atomized Aluminum based thermite when it ignited. It shot metal (assuming a mixture of Mn and remaining leftover Al that couldn't burn with the Oxygen from the MnO₂) ALL over the place and was very violent, however was very quiet with no report. Maybe confining a tiny amount could produce a report?

Edited May 17, 2014 by LambentPyro