Boiling point, pyrotechnics

Differential thermal analysis (DTA) has provided a wealth of information regarding the thermal behavior of pure solids as well as solid mixtures [10]. Melting points, boiling points, transitions from one crystalline form to another, and decomposition temperatures can be obtained for pure materials. Reaction temperatures can be determined for mixtures, such as ignition temperatures for pyrotechnic and explosive compositions. 

Finally, a product of a pyrotechnic reaction may vaporize from the reaction zone and subsequently condense as fine particles in air, creating a smoke. Potassium chloride (boiling point 1407°C) produces smoke in many potassium chlorate and potassium perchlorate compositions, although smoke is usually not a goal sought from these mixtures. 

TABLE 5.8 Melting and Boiling Points of Common Non-Gaseous Pyrotechnic Productsa... 

In a nutshell, Mg and Al are the most commonly used pyrotechnic fuels to create heat and light. Both have been used in the development of radiation effect. While Mg is the fuel of choice for most illuminating and tracer formulations, Al is still the main ingredient of photoflash and thermite formulations. The pyrotechnic behavior of Mg is due to its low melting and boiling points in comparison to most... 

Some of the important properties which are considered when choosing the ingredients for pyrotechnic formulations are density, hygroscopicity, melting and boiling points and decomposition temperatures, oxygen content of oxidizers, thermal conductivity of fuels and containers, nature of combustion products and toxicity etc. 

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