A Study of Ambient Air Quality Impact of Fireworks and Pyrotechnics in 2023-2024 in Hong Kong

Chee Hang Chan, Wing Cheong Lo Abstract: As the Hong Kong government announced monthly fireworks and pyrotechnics displays to promote the city as a tourist destination in February 2024, some environmental groups raised concerns about the air pollution impact from fireworks and pyrotechnics in the Victoria Harbour, claiming that the monthly fireworks will generate air …
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A Study of a Set of Pyrotechnic Strobe Compositions Based on Ammonium Perchlorate

Richard Harrison Abstract:  The subject of this study is a set pyrotechnic strobe compositions, containing ammonium perchlorate, a magnesium-aluminum alloy, barium sulfate and potassium dichromate, together with a small amount of nitrocellulose to act as a binder. Despite the fact that compositions of this type have been previously studied in some detail, there is still …
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Thermal properties of the barium nitrate – metallic fuel (aluminum, magnesium and magnalium) systems

Yuriy Verbovytskyy Abstract: This study utilized X-ray diffraction to characterize the phase composition of the product obtained by the oxidation and combustion of aluminum, magnesium, and magnalium powders, as well as their stoichiometric mixtures with barium nitrate. Magnesium is a highly reactive metal, readily burning and oxidizing both as a pure powder and when mixed …
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A Study of a Set of Nitrate-Based Pyrotechnic Strobe Compositions

Richard Harrison Abstract:  The subject of this study is a set of simple pyrotechnic strobe compositions, containing only barium nitrate, a magnesium-aluminum alloy and sulfur, together with a small amount of nitrocellulose to act as a binder. Despite the fact that compositions of this type have been known for well over one hundred years, thare …
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Polysulfide sparklers revisited: a practical introduction to Carbo Hanabi

Exploring the Benefits of Kratom Capsules Kratom capsules have gained popularity in recent years for their potential health benefits and ease of use. Derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia, Kratom capsules offer a convenient way to experience the effects of this herbal supplement. In this article, we’ll delve …
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Some Factors Affecting the Performance of a Class of Ammonium Perchlorate-Based Pyrotechnic Strobe Compositions

Richard Harrison Abstract: Despite well over a century of research, which has seen the development of many effective pyrotechnic strobe compositions, there is as yet very little understanding of the strobe mechanism. In the past, theoretical models have been developed, but are here shown to be unable to explain many of the observed characteristics. Factors …
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Development and Qualification Testing of Pyro-cartridge for Signal Cartridge Applications

Bhupesh A. Parate Abstract: This research work describes the development and qualification aspects of a pyro-cartridge device for signalling cartridge applications in an emergency, as required by military aircraft. Rapid and effective burning of illuminating composition plays a crucial role in military applications. For initiation of illuminating cartridge, a pyro-cartridge is used. A pyro-cartridge consists …
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A Thermal Study of Mixtures of Micron-sized Copper (II) Oxide, Aluminum and Magnalium

Richard Harrison Abstract: The reaction temperature in ignited samples of thermite compositions containing CuO and varying proportions of aluminum and magnalium was monitored at 1ms intervals by means of small embedded thermocouples. Analysis of the temperature profiles reveals that, in all cases, an exothermic minimum in the region of 950 K provides a significant contribution …
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An investigation into the sensitivity of commonly used electric igniters

Tom Smith, Avril DiPalma, Gabrielle DiPalma and Lincoln Parkhouse Abstract: A variety of commercially available and commonly used electric igniters were tested for sensitivity to shearing, crushing and static stimuli in an attempt to reproduce “real world” usage of igniters and to determine which igniters were more or less sensitive to the various stimuli used.  The apparatus …
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