Category:Original articles

D. Chapman and K. Howard Abstract: The Time/Pressure Test from the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria has been modified to define flash compositions in the default classification lists for fireworks in the UN Model Regulations. This modified test is known as the HSL flash composition test. This paper summarises the history of this change …
Continue reading Defining Flash Compositions: Modifications to UN Time/Pressure Test

Tom Smith Abstract: This paper outlines the risk assessment methodologies and calculates the risks affecting the audience from the malfunctioning of shells.  Risks may arise from premature functioning of shells, from stars falling on the audience from low bursting shells, and from shells bursting in or near the audience.  Two mathematical approaches are taken using …
Continue reading What is a “Safety Distance” for a Shell?

Alessandro E. Contini Abstract: A brief historical background to the development of effective pyrotechnic blue flame compositions, including strobing formulas, from the 19th century to the present day, is presented. The latest prevailing theories on blue flame generation are discussed and a list of some effective modern formulations is given. Also, don’t forget to check out …
Continue reading Blue Flame Pyrotechnic Compositions: A Concise Review

Stanley Azzopardi Abstract: The objective of this paper is to review the practices, postures and workstations in Maltese fireworks factories which may cause back pain and musculoskeletal disorders to fireworkers. Hazards varying from the toxicity of substances used to produce colours and pyro-effects up to ergonomic adversities that such processes impose upon the workers are …
Continue reading Ergonomic Hazards in Local Fireworks Factories

T. L.Thanulingam,  A. Jeya Rajendran,  P. Karlmarx,  K. Subramanianc and A. Azhagurajan Abstract: Nano-sized sulphur and oxidizers were synthesized by the ball mill method and the size was determined using a particle size analyzer. Pyrotechnic mixtures of compositions using five different oxidizers: potassium nitrate (KNO3), potassium  perchlorate (KClO4), barium nitrate (Ba(NO3)2), strontium nitrate (Sr(NO3)2) and bismuth …
Continue reading Hazard Assessment and Effect of Nano-Sized Oxidizer on Sound Level Analysis of Firecrackers

Andreas Dutschke,  Stefan Seeger, Lutz Kurth, Ulrich Pannea, and Christian Lohrer Abstract: This work presents results of investigations towards the emission of chemical reaction products and sound pressure during an outdoor and an indoor firework display. Potentially harmful and toxic gases, and aerosols, were measured as well as sound pressures. Aerosols were measured with a …
Continue reading Emissions of Reaction Products and Sound from Outdoor and Indoor Firework Displays

Thomas M. Klapötke, Jörg Stierstorfer and Karina R. Tarantika Abstract:  agents. Salts of strontium are responsible for a red green one and copper salts, only combined with a chlorine donor, are able to yield a blue To investigate the possibility of reducing the amount of metal in pyrotechnic formulations producing colored 1-(2-chloroethyl)-5-nitriminotetrazolato- nitrimino tetrazolate and trans-[diammine-bis{1-(2-chloroethyl)-5-nitrimino …
Continue reading Pyrotechnically Relevant Salts of 1-(2-Chloroethyl)-5-nitriminotetrazole – Synthesis and Coloring Properties

Dayu Ding, Daichi Tabata and Tadao Yoshida Abstract:: Experiments have been conducted varying the oxygen balance of fi rework compositions and adding a chlorine donor to compositions in order to understand how or why a red fl ame is affected by the oxygen balance and presence of chlorine in the composition. The results show that …
Continue reading Characteristics of the Red Colored Flame of Firework Compositions