Composite Color Stars

Scot Anderson

ABSTRACT: Ammonium perchlorate has long been used to produce high-quality color stars and lances. In this article the author uses the basic ingredients of composite rocket propellants to generate colored flame suitable for pyrotechnic display. The use of composite materials has several advantages over classic formulations in that the material is handled in a semi-liquid state prior to cross-linking, produces little smoke, exhibits vibrant color, and uses no water in the manufacturing process. Several formulations are discussed along with visual observations from ground burn and star gun tests.