Abstract
The reduction in the impact and frictional sensitivity needed for the ignition of flash and black power while replacing sulfur by fructose (a type of sugar) as a fuel was studied. 23 wt.% and 10 wt.% of sulfur present in flash and black powders, respectively, were gradually replaced by blending varying percentage of fructose in 10 different compositions. Performance characteristics of the resultant mixtures were checked by measuring the flame height, ballistic behaviour, minimum ignition energy, impact energy and frictional load, by following various ASTM standards. The sensitivity of firework mixtures containing fructose is moderate in contrast to conventional fireworks mixtures prepared using sulfur. The thermal characterization of the mixtures was attained through DTA and DSC analysis. The performance of the fructose blended mixtures were evaluated by making banger fireworks and rocket fireworks. The banger fireworks prepared using fructose blended flash powder produces a sound of 120 dB in which the percentage of sulfur was reduced from 23 wt.% to 9.51 wt.%. The rocket fireworks prepared using fructose blended black powder moved to a higher distance with a slower velocity. The advantage of using fructose in flash and black powder for making fireworks is that the percentage of sulfur used was considerably reduced, thereby increasing the handling safety of the mixtures being used for making fireworks as well as a reduction in the release of SO2.
