A Review of Illuminating Pyrotechnics

Abstract

This review article consists of efforts focused on the development of illuminating pyrotechnics. Examined will be the methods of generating red-, green-, yellow-and blue-light-emitting illuminating pyrotechnics. Ways to improve luminosity, spectral purity, and burn rate will be discussed. Recently developed formulations concerning the development of environmentally friendly illuminating pyrotechnics will also be presented.

The Performance of Red Flare Pyrotechnic Compositions Modified with Gas Generating Additives

“…By further tuning compositions with GN and 6 % of chlorinated rubber, and inspiration from recent papers , a chlorine‐free, Mg‐rich composition was evaluated. Even though it was similar to compositions 34–43, it possessed slightly different spectral characteristics.…”

“…The use of gas generating materials has been reported back since the 1970s [21], and in recent years have been used in various illuminating pyrotechnic compositions as an energetic additive for smoother combustion, more luminous flames, and compositions emitting less smoke [5,11,22,23]. In the present work several non-exotic, gas generating materials were chosen to investigate how they affected the performance of the magnesium-rich system In addition to the gas generating materials, calcium resinate, shellac, strontium oxalate, phenolic resin, lignin sulfonate (with sodium impurities) and sulfur were also tested as additives for comparison.…”

“…By further tuning compositions with GN and 6 % of chlorinated rubber, and inspiration from recent papers [4,11], a chlorine-free, Mg-rich composition was evaluated. Even Table 5.…”

“…A lot of work was done to deepen the understanding of the underlying phenomena during the 1950s to 1960s [2], though without affecting much of the products already in use. The main driving force in development in recent years has been focused on eliminating certain unwanted ingredients and to a certain degree improving flame color depth [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12].…”

A Thermal Study of a Simple Al−CuO Pyrotechnic Crackle Composition

“…As reviewed by Lin [8], concerns are also being raised regarding the environmental impact of particulate matter that is released by fireworks, in terms of both air quality and the resulting contamination of ground-and surface water. Much current pyrotechnic research [9] has, as at least one of its aims, the goal of reducing the dependence on heavy metals and other toxic materials. Thermites offer a relatively non-toxic approach to the production of materials with a wide range of chemical and energetic properties [10].…”