Ken Burdick
ABSTRACT: This paper presents some initial work on the use of silicones including GE Silicone II (GE280 and GE5000) as a fuel and binder in fireworks. Some of the pros and cons of silicones are covered, as well as a partial list of safety concerns. A brief review of silicone chemistry is included as a background for the choice of suitable silicone materials. This is followed by some pyrotechnic chemistry, including observations, methods, and ideas for how to use silicone compositions in fireworks. Silicones show great promise for certain applications and may prove to be safer and less costly than some of the materials they could replace.
Keywords: silicone, fuel, binder, rocketry, potassium perchlorate, ammonium perchlorate
Ref: JPyro, Issue 8, 1998, pp31-41
(J8_31)
© Journal of Pyrotechnics and CarnDu Ltd
