Syllabus

Definition, Classification Ingredients Various compositions Performance parameters of

Pyrostores Manufacture of Pyro stores, Pyrotechnique delay, Tracers, Illuminating compositions, IR flares, smokes, Incendiary compositions, Recent trends / Developments

Definition
Pyrotechnics is the science of using materials capable

of undergoing self-contained and self-sustained exothermic chemical reactions for the production of heat, light, gas, smoke and/or sound. Pyrotechnics include not only the manufacture of fireworks but items such as safety matches, oxygen candles, explosive bolts and fasteners, and components of the automotive airbag.

Constituents of Pyrotechnics

Pyrotechnic Composition
Pyrotechnics are invariably intimate mixtures of finely

powdered fuels and oxidizers together with other additives in order to impart special effects depending on the requirement.

Fuel
The choice of fuels is very wide, ranging from metallic

to non - metallic elements and binary compounds to various types of carbonaceous materials, both natural and synthetic. Metals: aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W) and zirconium (Zr) etc. Non - metals: boron (B), carbon (C), silicon (Si), sulfur (S) and phosphorus (P) etc.

Oxidizers
The oxidizer is the source of oxygen. The choice of

oxidizer is restricted and is confined to metallic and some non - metallic oxides, oxygenated salts and some halides.
E.g. Chlorates, chromates, dichromates, nitrates,

perchlorates

Binders
Binders increase cohesion between the particles of fuel and oxidizer, facilitating better consolidation and resulting in better mechanical properties of the end products. Natural binders: Paraffin wax, beeswax, carnauba wax, Chinese wax, boiled linseed oil. Man - made binders: Bakelite resin, polyester resin, chlorinated rubber, poly-vinyl chloride, Thiokol rubber, epoxy resin, Thiokol epoxy blends.

Coolants
Coolants are used in various pyrotechnic formulations

to decrease the temperature during their burning; important examples are carbonates of Mg , sodium and other metals.

Retardants
Oxalates are most commonly employed to retard the

rates of burning of these formulations. Formates and citrates are some of the organic salts used for this purpose.

Dyes
Dyes are used to produce colored smokes. 1 methylamino anthraquinone is used to produce red color whereas auramine hydrochloride is used to produce yellow color.