How to Make Fireworks 101: Basic Chemistry of Compositions

[kcinkcinkcinnick]

ok, thanks for the help ;-)

[kcinkcinkcinnick]

so can i use dextrin as a binder and PVC as a fuel at once? and not use parlon ? because i don't really know what parlon is :s (sorry i'm new at this ... :s )

[Nighthawkinlight]

@kcinkcinkcinnick Yes, you could do that. PVC is usually not the only fuel in a composition though. I suggest you ask further questions you have at amateurpyro(dot)com so that you can get more in depth input.

[kcinkcinkcinnick]

hy can you change parlon with pure Cl or PVC powder? because PVC power is cheaper... :-)

[Nighthawkinlight]

@kcinkcinkcinnick Pure chlorine is a gas, you can't just mix it with something. You can use PVC as a chlorine donor, but not as a binder.

[THEMrTNMUSIC]

WHERE I CAN FIND KCLO4 and ALUMININUM

[THEMrTNMUSIC]

WHAT IS THE AIR FLOAT (charcoal)??

[lyrison]

That's a lot of magnesium! How much did it cost?

[Nighthawkinlight]

@lyrison $2.50/lb if I remember right. Magnesium powder is not expensive if you find the right supplier, the expensive part is shipping it.

[lyrison]

@Nighthawkinlight Where do you buy it and how is it shipped?

[Justdigdiamonds]

how do you gwt those things ?

from supermarket?

[pyrotechnics100]

@Justdigdiamonds skylighter(dot)com

[AkiTheBrainiac]

is it legal to make fireworks and ignite them in your backyard???

[Nighthawkinlight]

@AkiTheBrainiac That's a very complicated issue. If you really are interested in knowing the law you will need to read the ATF orange book as well as your State law.

[Nighthawkinlight]

@AkiTheBrainiac That's a very complicated issue. If you really are interested in knowing the law you will need to read the ATF orange book as well as your State law.

[AkiTheBrainiac]

@Nighthawkinlight well i dont live in america i live in serbia

[6squirrels]

dear nighthawkinlight: i feel like you are both capable of answering my question and the most willing of the youtube goers to do so. what exactly is the difference between dextrin and straight cornstarch? i watched a video on how to make dextrin, and all you do is bake some cornstarch for a few hours. is there some chemical process that i'm not aware of that's taking place? and what would happen if i used cornstarch in my comps instead of its cooked counterpart?

[Nighthawkinlight]

@6squirrels When cornstarch is cooked it is a chemical process that is taking place which changes the very nature of the starch. It is similar to caramelizing sugar. Regular corn starch is useless as a glue, but dextrin is very sticky when wet and will harden into a solid mass which makes it perfect as a binder in stars.

[MrPrettyboy300]

@Nighthawkinlight cant u blow Ur self up doing this?

[Dangcosmo]

Is it legal in the US and Canada to make your own fireworks and ignite it whenever you like?

[Nighthawkinlight]

@Dangcosmo In the US, sort of, but it is not that simple. In Canada, no, it is not legal.

[Dangcosmo]

Well, guess it's a good reason to move to the US I'm old enough to do so! This country sucks! :D

[blackdeamon1928]

@Nighthawkinlight wait wait wait wait wait.... i live in canada... does that mean i can just walk down the street launching fireworks in the air???

sweet.

[LiveTillItHurts97]

where the heck did you get the sulfur?

[leaveheretodayjason]

MAKE TNT ALL YOU NEED IS SAND thumbs if you get the reference

[tearpear12]

@leaveheretodayjason and gunpowder

[leaveheretodayjason]

@tearpear12 i was making a reference to alpha minecraft when it was sulpher you needed

[tearpear12]

@leaveheretodayjason what's minecraft?

[leaveheretodayjason]

@tearpear12 LOOK IT UP ON YOUTUBE!

[dean14111]

hey how do you know so much about this stuff? i know some of it like how to make black powder by mixing and cooking kno3 with sulfer and charcoal but again how do you know so much i'd like to know so please reply thanks

[ThePhDChemist]

You have very good videos. All of them are good. I see you like pyrotechnics, chemistry, weapons, surviving, nature.... Well, me too! I ahve 1000 books with very cool things about that all. I will learn you how to make something from nothing, for example: ammonia from urine, or urea nitrate from urine, sulfur from gypsum, methanol from wood, i will be soon uploading... So, please check my channel & subscribe :)

[nerf986]

do u have to have air float

[hurleyguy1000]

.\



[MrCraigmather]

any chance u can show me how to make colour changeing stars and how to make willows with colour tips please and chemicals i need pleas thanks if u can help me

[Nighthawkinlight]

@MrCraigmather No, I can't. That's too much information for me to go over. Start doing some research. A good place to start is amateurpyro(dot)com

[MrMamatis]

I was hoping for a positive response from you. Did you actually read my response???? I battled just as much getting chemicals in S.A., but I still don't get your point?? Do you want to make BIG BANGS???, with the use of aluminum, or, do you want to enjoy pyro??????

Well, I hope you and the 13 year olds stay out of this all together.

WHATS A SOUTHERNER???

[maxxorid1]

can u use oganic and metal to aid in coloring

[andybabes1995]

can u show how to make flash powder

[Nighthawkinlight]

@andybabes1995 No. Flash is dangerous, overused, and abused.

[maxxorid1]

whats the ratio of patasum nitrate, charcole and solfer

[Mranonymous258]

HOLY SH****T you have ALOT of chemicals!!

[13ClownKru]

how can you afford these things... and where do you get them...

[MollyTheLag]

has anyone else seen super 8? cuz i know which character this guy would be...

[maxxorid1]

@MollyTheLag blow shit up

[adrianbenitez30]

UMMM YEAH i clicked on the video to maybe find out how to make a firework at home for 4th of july i guess i will continue my search :(

[twisted1196]

sorry but i scratched my balls like this whole vid

[PyroGamingPro]

I was wondering if you know where to purchase potassium perchlorate. On ebay it is expensive and is only shiped in one ounce quantitys. I have been looking for a reliable sight that sells it. thanks for the help.

[Nighthawkinlight]

@PyroGamingPro Check the supplier reviews section of amateurpyro(dot)com.

[ModdingLegends]

@PyroGamingPro amazon

[maxxorid1]

where do u ger patism nirtate



[pFOHRpyro]

@maxxorid1 most hydroponics stors sell it

[extrasonic]

I think you are wrong about the potassium (per)chlorate.

It releases oxygen easier and its compositions burn at a higher temperature than these with potassium nitrate/other nitrates. Nitrates with organic fuel comps burn slower and their temperature is not enough to excite the color giving atoms.

Take a look at Ba/Sr nitrate colored comps - they contain metals if no (per)chlorates are present in goal to raise the temperature. But organic fueled mixtures with the same nitrates contain KClO3 / 4.

[Nighthawkinlight]

@extrasonic In my experience high temperature is almost always either detrimental to colors or not a key factor in their saturation. Nitrates certainly burn hot enough to produce color, but unless the nitrate is of a color generating compound such as strontium or barium it is incapable of producing color with added salts because of chlorine deficiency.

To prove my point, look at ammonium perchlorate blues. They are by far the best, for the very reason that they burn at the lowest temperatures.

[extrasonic]

NHClO4 blues are not best only because their lowest temperature burning. NHClO4 only generates gases and doesn't have the lilac K cation. AFAIK, one of the best AP blues are Cu benz blue or hexamine blue and both fuels, especially hexamine, burns quite hot.

Different colors have different optimal temperatures. .CuCl decomposes above 1200C, BaCl - 2000C.

But a minimal temperature is needed in order to excite the color donors. In my theory, nitrates are weaker oxidizers and can't do it hot enough.

[Nighthawkinlight]

@extrasonic If that were the only reason that potassium nitrate can't normally produce good color, that should be correctable by using a comp with a lot of Mg to raise the temp, which it is not. Those may be the temperatures that the salts decompose at, but they still produce color when introduced to a lower temp flame. Try holding them over a candle. If you really want to find out if you're correct about this go post on APC. There are much better chemists over there than I.

[HAMMERON825]

great

[gothbro111]

nice supply of chems!! I buy by the pound but have a large variety (like 25 chems total)

[benvivitron]

did you rob a science lab?

[blobdabob]

Two q's. Where do you aquire your chemicals, and What do you use to create your black powder?

[Nighthawkinlight]

@blobdabob I buy my chemicals in bulk wherever I can find them cheapest. More info about both of your questions can be found on my website, and APC forum. Links to both of those sites can be found in the video description.

[Backyardfireworks]

Amazing video!!

[dlux3888]

Awesome video. Thanks!

[RamblinAround]

Can't potassium perchlorate be combined with sugar to make a rocket propellant? Interesting video, nicely done.

[Nighthawkinlight]

@RamblinAround Potassium nitrate and sugar is more common. Black powder is the most common.

[fireworksppcc]

@RamblinAround no, for a propellant you need original black powder.

[junior420909]

can u show how to make dragon eggs please thanks

[Nighthawkinlight]

@junior420909 Dragon eggs are a little too dangerous for a beginner project.

[junior420909]

@Nighthawkinlight but your videos prove to me your not a beginner

[Nighthawkinlight]

@junior420909 No, but many of those who view my videos are.

[flatulenceisbliss]

Fantastic video, i'm just starting to understand the chemistry behind creating colours.Your videos are great :)

[TycoTrainAL]

Hmmmmm! Ok, that makes sense. I was under the impression the BP coated hulls were for helping with ignition of the stars too. I'll try the formula you posted below and post a video of the results. Thanks for the quick reply!

[TycoTrainAL]

I would like to know a good way to make BP coated rice hulls. I know hulls can be ordered but I have a bunch of stale rice crispies and have heard of people using those. I know all shells have to have these for better ignition so is there some way you can post a video of maybe some methods used for ignition of stars within a shell?

[Nighthawkinlight]

@TycoTrainAL The reason that black powder is coated on various things before being used as burst in ball shells is to save on weight in the shell, as well as BP. To coat your rice crispies throw them in a large bowl, and while tossing them around give them a light misting with water and about 10% liquid starch in a spray bottle. Dust with finely milled BP until no more sticks. Repeat for 3-5 coats. As an alternative to liquid starch, mill your BP with 5% added dextrin, then mist with water only.

[RHINORyan92]

Good stuff Nighthawk, keep posting videos on this because i want to start making my own fireworks, it will a hobby, but i want to be safe at doing this, but also have fun.

[rgmcall]

Great Video Do you use the Lead Oxide in Dragon Eggs? Its Awfully Toxic I would go with Bismuth trioxide Instead.

[Nighthawkinlight]

@rgmcall I was given the lead. I would certainly chose bismuth trioxide over it every time.

[rgmcall]

@Nighthawkinlight Ok thats Good:) Just be careful thats all.

[spinafire]

Good video, great for beginners.

[Rhinoch8]

Hey i made an experiment, i found that rocket candy burns slower when sulfur is added.

[FourEightZero]

i think if your house caught fire than you'd be screwed

[tgis81]

@FourEightZero See the above answer a few posts up. He already addressed this VERY clearly. Read the post someone wrote only 2 hrs before you and his response.

[aznmeowmeow]

I dont want to sound stupid or anything, but can you get aluminum powder from aluminum shavings?

[Nighthawkinlight]

@aznmeowmeow No you really can't. Join a pyrotechnic club and you will get many first person contacts for purchasing chemicals. More importantly, you will learn firsthand from experienced people how to safely and effectively use them.

[aznmeowmeow]

@Nighthawkinlight Well yeah that's a problem, I'm pretty interested in this stuff but I want to know how you can improvise these sort of chemicals. Mostly I really want to know where I could get my hands on Aluminum powder and how to make if possible.

[Nighthawkinlight]

@aznmeowmeow If aluminum powder is the first thing you want, your priorities are way off. You need to learn the basics, not play with flash, which is the most dangerous of all fireworks compositions. Learn to make black powder, that is the key to fireworks.

[aznmeowmeow]

@Nighthawkinlight Well I do, quite simple actually to get the materials because I ALWAYS improvise.

I used tree stump remover his has 98-99% Potassium Nitrate, match heads for sulfur, and fine charcoal.

[Nighthawkinlight]

@aznmeowmeow Match heads are not sulfur. They contain a very reactive oxidizer and a fuel, neither of which I will reveal the identity of. Harvesting chemicals from such sources is asking for trouble.

You will have an accident if you continue using powder from matches for anything at all. You have a lot research still to do if you did not know that. Start reading at the forum posted in the video description.

[MrMamatis]

@aznmeowmeow , Sorry, but you are not on track here!!!, If you want to make a big bang, then so be it!! If you want to enjoy pyrotechnics then listen to Nighthawkinlight. He has so many fantastic tuitorials, which allows you to to make your own fireworks, at very little cost. My first 1 inch Black Powder rocket was based on his work, and I cannot tell you how satisfying it is to watch your first ever rocket reach 1000 ft. With your own homemade charcoal.

Regards.

[aznmeowmeow]

@MrMamatis You know most viewers are 13+ of age, they'll have no idea what you're talking about.

Point is that these chemicals aren't really that avaliable to certain ages, area, and they're parent's judgement.

So even though you show amazing tutorials the materials aren't easy to get. Source: I live in NY EVERYTHING IS HARD TO GET. SORRY SOUTHERNERS.

[matthew2496]

god help the firefighters if your house catches fire.

[Nighthawkinlight]

@matthew2496 A match could be taken to every chemical shown in this video with no effect apart from the magnesium, which burns slowly in atmospheric O2. In order for any one of these to be particularly flammable they must be mixed with others. The oxidizers need fuel, and the fuels need oxidizers. They are stored separate and securely. In the event of a fire there would not be violent reactions. I do not store any mixed compositions, and I do not build fireworks indoors.

[tomek123kotek]

If only England allowed you to actually live I would do all this, but because of all the laws people are now disallowed to breathe eat and drink.

[Rhinoch8]

@tomek123kotek Now just live and take control over your destiny. Go away, or just do what intelligent, responsible and respectuous morale say what you can do. Actually if you make fireworks you will only hurt big companies that don't really care about it.

[tomek123kotek]

@Rhinoch8 listen ivew no idea what your argument is about i was just over exxagerating englands stupid laws that just empower the problems they are supposed to solve, ive allways been a pyromaniac but the fact that i live in england prevents me from doing what i like

[joIVOjo]

I wanna hava al that chemicals!

[Fallen10100]

thank you so much can in you next vido show all the of the subsituts for the cemiclas and how to ubtan them

[Nighthawkinlight]

@Fallen10100 There are no substitutes for any of these chemicals.

[Arteolike]

Oh and i have a question, if i make a simple black powder composition, and add come copper sulfate or something, then wet it in alcohol and into a mesh to make VERY little "stars" then add it into a fountain, will it give it some color?

[Nighthawkinlight]

@Arteolike No. Copper sulfate is not used in fireworks because it degrades over time, and is generally very problematic to use. Also, potassium nitrate compositions cannot take color as I said in the video. You need another oxidizer such as potassium perchlorate in order to make colors. Finally, if you do make a perchlorate star composition, you may not ram it into a fountain, because only nitrate based compositions may be rammed safely.

[Arteolike]

@Nighthawkinlight Thanks for the reply! Well here in California i cant really have any pyrotechnics so i don't want anything to go up in the air... How can i make color pearls for fountains

[Arteolike]

I just made a simple fountain! It was so cool! Lasted for really long, because used little potassium nitrate, and it was nice and low, but exciting! MY FIRST FIREWORK! Thanks so much for helping me!

[leosedf]

Great Vid dude! 

[Nanovirus5995]

Brilliant work Nighthawkinlight! I have been watching your videos almost from the start and I will admit, you have significantly improved from already great work!

Love watching the videos and due to there simple and informative manor, I have been inspired to ignite my own pyrotechnics within me :) Doing multiple home-made experiments and now working on a sequential pyrotechnics detonation box for my project for my Engineering course!

Just out of curiosity, Is 2:46 a Giant bag of magnesium XD?

[Nighthawkinlight]

@Nanovirus5995 Be sure to join the forum at amateurpyro(dot)com, we would be glad to have you there.

Yes, that is 5 pounds of Mg.

[TheBombBros]

wow, nice new camera! im glad to see you producing more videos.

one question. is parlon, or pvc a better binder in perchlorate stars?

ive heard both. i have also heard of redgum and shellac being used. but im not sure if they are used for binder alone or more of a color enhancer.

[Nighthawkinlight]

@TheBombBros Ah I forgot about shellac. That is very often used as a binder. I have never heard of PVC being used as a binder, to my knowledge it is purely a chlorine donor. Red gum is sometimes used to bind stars, but it is not as strong as parlon or shellac.

[TheBombBros]

@Nighthawkinlight okay thankyou. theres just so many out there its hard to keep them all in mind.

but i like your video. it is easy to understand for beginners but still helpful to those professionals. i know some folks that only use black powder chems. this way everything is easy and chemicals are cheap.

[Kuwaiti55]

You didn't mansion KMnO4 as a powerful Oxidizer

Thank You, Nice Video

[Nighthawkinlight]

@Kuwaiti55 That is because KMnO4 is NOT used in fireworks! It is EXTREMELY unpredictable and dangerous. There are absolutely no respected pyrotechnics that will go near the stuff, and for very good reason. Just because something is easy to come by does not mean it is safe to use in fireworks. Get rid of it.

[TheBombBros]

@Nighthawkinlight i agree. i have never used potassium permanganate, but i hear it is highly unstable.

i have to give you a thumbs up on that. i stick with KClO4, KNO3, sulfur, Al, charcoal, and a few various colorants as main sources for comositions. although i have not yet come across Ammonium Perchlorate. my only intention with it is to make purple stars. other than that, i stick with well known chemicals.

[RHINORyan92]

@Nighthawkinlight Hey Nighthawkinlight, i was just wondering why KMnO4 is extremely dangerous, i know that it stains really bad.

[rgmcall]

@RHINORyan92 Potassium Permanganate is Dangerous Because It can decompose when exposed to light and not only that if its exposed to certain alcohols or glycerols it will combust. So if you have Kmno4 flash powder and it comes in contact with certain chemicals it will combust and explode.

[RHINORyan92]

@rgmcall i see, thank you.

[TheFyroPyro]

@Nighthawkinlight you forgot to mention manganese heptoxide as a powerful oxidizer too

[Nighthawkinlight]

@TheFyroPyro I forgot nothing. It's ridiculous to even consider associating that chemical with fireworks.

[TheFyroPyro]

@Nighthawkinlight lol, I was kidding, but that's ok :)

[ty015ty]

thats one nice vidio :D

[MakkeSk8]

Ur voice is weird in this video ben :S

Nice video btw! great for begginers :D

[AirrowRocket]

Well done video.

[Chribbe0502]

hehe nice vid  ;) why does your sr(no3)2 looks yellow?

[Nighthawkinlight]

@Chribbe0502 It's in a yellow container.

[ZnachiBeatBox95]

very cool movie men....:D

[thijsie65]

Been watching ur vids from the beginning, awesome videos man, already subbed tho :) you got some decent chemicals there potassium nitrate/aluminium powder for flash :) tbh my favourite powder, although i love charcoal too for the awesome gold like effects.

Thumbs up man ;)

[shortywarn]

question,,,,, what is the name of the firework at shows,,,, really, really loud boom,,, sounds like a cannon,,,, and they may make a silver flash,,,, but the overwhelming sound is it's main characteristic,,,, and they usually go off lower than others like maybe 300-600 feet.

these are my favorite and totally rock,,,, and i always wondered what the name of them was

[thijsie65]

@shortywarn Probably Titanium salutes, did they give a small silver like bouqet? a loud bang is probably a Salute shell ;) i cant say the inch tho xD

[Nighthawkinlight]

@shortywarn Those are called salute shells.

[omegahunter9]

I love fireworks, and I love chemistry. I only wish you did more videos like this :P

[Aneantis1]

Even though I all ready knew all of this, it sure was a pleasure to listen :). Great voice, I hope this is the start of a large serie ;)!

[ladedk]

Hey, good vid!! I noticed you have a tub of lead oxide in there. One thing i would really like to see, is a video which describes the best alternatives to using heavy metal compounds and other pollutants. I LOVE fireworks, but also feel that I'm sometimes letting too much crap into our nature, just for a few minutes worth of fun (well that's an understatement, it's more like AWESOMENESS, right?). I don't mean to be a nag, but you asked for comments, and these are my 2 cents on the subject....

[Nighthawkinlight]

@ladedk I haven't used the lead oxide since I acquired it. It's too poisonous for it to be worth handling for me. The only thing it is commonly used for is dragon eggs. It can be replaced with non toxic bismuth oxides. Skylighter has an article about non toxic dragons eggs in the newsletter archives.

[Sleepyhead54]

is this a new camera? very nice

[Nighthawkinlight]

@Sleepyhead54 Sure is

[ERFireworks]

@Nighthawkinlight haha i just got a new HD camera today so im gunna start making some firework videos finally =)

[pyroguy1030]

Wow! Great video, this will be very helpful for those beginning in the art of pyrotechnics. Keep up the great work! :)

[TheMultiPyromane]

great man! ;D

all the best

TheMultiPyromane

[Serostern]

Great vid, Nighthawk!

Keep em coming =)

[tothpickman]

are you making more of these?

[hobomnky]

pretty cool

but isnt it an expensive hobby lol

[Nighthawkinlight]

@hobomnky No more expensive than most every other hobby. It takes about $200 to start with some good basic materials and tools.

[Flomounier1]

@Nighthawkinlight Hey, do you have an ATF license? I was just curious if it was illegal to own the SUPPLIES without an ATF license. Now, I know owning illegal fireworks can get you in to trouble but I was just wondering if the supplies to make them are illegal.

[Flomounier1]

@Nighthawkinlight Hey, do you have an ATF license? I was just curious if it was illegal to own the SUPPLIES without an ATF license. Now, I know owning illegal fireworks can get you in to trouble but I was just wondering if the supplies to make them are illegal to own.

[vtwinbreed]

@Flomounier1 You can own the supplies to make them without an ATF license, so long as they aren't hazardous materials, and are of legal weight quantity. Actually MIXING the chemicals without an ATF license, is the illegal part. Unless the ATF/Law Enforcement can pin reasonable doubt that supplies are there for "intent" to build explosives/combustibles.. Which will depend on their mood at the time. Your mileage may vary!

[Nighthawkinlight]

@Flomounier1 It is perfectly legal to own all the chemicals I have shown today without a license if you are in the States. Depending on local regulation you may also use them to make fireworks and compositions, also no need for a license. Without an ATF approvable magazine however you may not store any fireworks or compositions for more than 24 hours after creation. You also may not transport your fireworks without a license.

The best way to find your local laws is to join a club.

[PyroPortrayal]

The informative quality is superb in this video NHL! Since I already know these facts, I will use this video as a tool to educate others that need guidance :)

[Nighthawkinlight]

@PyroPortrayal That is just the purpose I intended it to be used for.

[BenTheMagnifice]

very informative video!

[666TECHNO666]

hey, just wondering...would you be able to use copper sulfate to make coloured stars or not, i have some lieing around???

[Nighthawkinlight]

@666TECHNO666 No, it is too unstable when mixed with typical pyro chemicals. I have experimented with it and there is a reason it's not used in fireworks. It seems to degrade and react with any composition it is present in.

[666TECHNO666]

@Nighthawkinlight ok, thanks for the info...ill stick to the basics then

[brokenbylaw2]

Very nice, you should make example videos :] showing colors and differences.

[oahuguy]

verry informative video ben also i finally got a chance to check out your grass roots diy chanel......top notch my friend.aloha

[mtflyer05]

Sir, I love you, in a completely non-homosexual man-to-man way.

[pryowannabe]

are you going to start making firework building videos again? i think we all miss your knowledge and informative videos.

[Nighthawkinlight]

@pryowannabe Yeah, I'm working on it. This is a start.

[pyr0ph1L]

@Nighthawkinlight Fuck yeah! I've missed your fireworks videos, nice to hear they're coming back. :)

[alarmcentra]

@Nighthawkinlight =D awesomee!!

[micmivf]

where do you get potasium nitrate

[armadillodude2992]

@micmivf on the internet. sites like ebay and amazon. just look around. you can always find a good deal on chemicals on ebay.  good luck! :)

[d2kool594]

Hey, its been a while since i've seen a video from you =)... always nice to see your videos in my sub box. do you have another channel i could sub to i'm not aware of? and has it just been slow because of winter?

[Nighthawkinlight]

@d2kool594 Yes, it has been quite slow because of winter. I have many videos in the works however, and as you can see I have a new HD camera and studio setup to inspire me. This is the only channel I use.

[d2kool594]

@Nighthawkinlight sounds good and i'm looking forward to whatever you have in the works =)