Oxidizer Selection A Comparison

In addition to an oxidizer, pyrotechnic mixtures will also contain one or more fuels—or electron donors—that react with the liberated oxygen from the oxidizer to produce an oxidized product plus heat. This heat will enable the high-energy chemist to produce a variety of possible effects color, motion, light, smoke, or noise. 

The desired pyrotechnic effect must be carefully considered when a fuel is selected to pair with an oxidizer for a high-energy mixture. Both the flame temperature that will be produced and the nature of the reaction products are important factors. The requirements for some of the major pyrotechnic categories are  

Propellants A combination producing high reaction temperature, a large volume of low molecular weight gas, and a rapid burning rate is needed. Charcoal and organic compounds, such as polybutadiene, are often found 

Colored smoke compositions Gas evolution is needed to help disperse the smoke particles. High temperatures are not desirable here because decomposition of the complex organic dye molecules wiU occur. Metals are not found in these mixtures. Low-energy fuels such as sulfur and sugars are eommonly employed. 

Ignition compositions Hot solid or liquid particles are desirable in igniter and first-fire compositions to ensure the transfer of sufficient heat to ignite the main composition. Fuels producing mainly gaseous products are not commonly used. Fuels such as boron and zirconium that produce good heat output and lots of hot particulate reaction products are often used. 

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