Special Materials in Pyrotechnics: III. Application of Lithium and its Compounds in Energetic Systems

Abstract

The application of lithium and its compounds in energetic systems and the behaviour of lithium species in flames is reviewed. Both lithium metal and its compounds and alloys are versatile materials in either oxidizer, fuel and modifier applications for energetic systems. 116 references to the literature are given. For part II see Ref. [1].

A Spectrophotometric Study of Red Pyrotechnic Flame Properties Using Three Classical Oxidizers: Ammonium Perchlorate, Potassium Perchlorate, Potassium Chlorate

“…SrOH and SrCl species are produced during the reaction of strontium (more precisely: strontium oxide) with water vapor and/or gaseous HCl in the flame. [2,4,5] Lithium [4,6] and rubidium [4] are used less frequently as colorants, because of the high price and undesirable properties of the compounds (such as hygroscopicity). Indeed, relatively better emission is achieved using calcium, in comparison to lithium and rubidium.…”

A Selection of Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metal Salts of 5,5′‐Bis(1‐hydroxytetrazole) in Pyrotechnic Compositions

“…Ellipsoids are drawn at the 50 % probability level. Coordination distances/pm: NaÀO2 235.88(15), NaÀO3 234.82 (15), NaÀN4 241.44 (15), NaÀO1 i 235.96 (14), NaÀO3 ii 241.40 (14), NaÀO2 iii 249.41 (17). (Symmetry codes: (i) Àx, Ày, Àz; (ii); Àx, 1Ày, 1Àz; (iii) 1Àx, 1Ày, 1Àz, (iv); x, À1 + y,À1 + z, (v); À1 + x, À1 + y, À1 + z.).…”

“…In this context alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts of the aforementioned anion are further investigated for applications in the fields of "green pyrotechnics" or primary explosives. Whereas the disodium salt has also been described as an intermediate in the synthesis of dihydroxylammonium 5,5'-bis(tetrazole-1-oxide) (TKX50) [11], the use of dilithium as well as of the alkaline earth metal salts strontium and barium 5,5'-bis(tetrazole-1-oxide) as coloring agents in pyrotechnical mixtures [15] is investigated. Furthermore the dipotassium and dicesium salt are possible additives [16] in pyrotechnical compositions emitting in the near infrared region (NIR) of the electromagnetic spectrum and thus their utilization as ingrediant in NIR flares is examined.…”

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

“…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].…”