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Flare or strobe: a tunable chlorine-free pyrotechnic system based on lithium nitrate
Johann Glück1, Thomas M Klapötke, Jesse J Sabatini
1Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Butenandtstraße 5-13 (D), Germany. tmk@cup.uni-muenchen.de.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|January 10, 2018
Summary
A new red pyrotechnic composition, free of chlorine and strontium, was developed for strobe and flare applications. Additives enhanced strobing frequency and ensured consistent burning for this magnesium/lithium nitrate formulation.
Area of Science:
- Pyrotechnic chemistry and energetic materials science.
Background:
- Traditional red pyrotechnic compositions often rely on chlorine donors and strontium salts, which can pose environmental and health concerns.
- Developing effective red-light emitting pyrotechnics that are free from these restricted elements is a significant challenge in energetic materials research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel red pyrotechnic composition that is free of chlorine and strontium.
- To investigate and optimize the strobing behavior of a magnesium/lithium nitrate-based pyrotechnic formulation.
- To enhance the strobing frequency and achieve stable, constant burning characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of a red-light emitting pyrotechnic using magnesium (Mg), lithium nitrate (LiNO3), hexamine, and a binder.
- Investigation of the strobing behavior of the Mg/LiNO3/hexamine/binder composition.
- Incorporation of additives, specifically 5-amino-1H-tetrazole and nitrocellulose, to modify burning characteristics.
Main Results:
- Successful development of a chlorine- and strontium-free red pyrotechnic composition.
- The Mg/LiNO3/hexamine/binder formulation exhibited observable strobing behavior.
- Addition of 5-amino-1H-tetrazole and nitrocellulose effectively increased strobing frequency and promoted constant burning.
Conclusions:
- A viable red pyrotechnic composition suitable for strobe and flare applications has been achieved without using chlorine or strontium.
- The study demonstrates the potential of specific additives to control and improve the performance characteristics of pyrotechnic devices.
- This research contributes to the development of safer and potentially more environmentally friendly pyrotechnic technologies.
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