Study on nano scale pyrotechnic star chemicals in aerial fireworks manufacturing

Purpose: Firework products are commonly used by people during festival times. Recently people are attracted by aerial display type fireworks because of its mesmeric display performance in the sky. Aerial firework composition consists of various chemicals like aluminium (Al), sulphur (S), potassium nitrate (KNO3), strontium nitrate, sodium nitrate etc., since these mixtures are hazardous at certain factors like improper mixing of chemicals and presence of moisture, these sources lead to blasting of aerial firework at ground level itself. In normal conventional aerial composition, the usage of chemical is higher and cause more liberation of pollutant in atmosphere. Meanwhile by converting the same composition into nano particles, usage of chemical in aerial fireworks is reduced because of their quick burning rate. Design/methodology/approach: Ball milling was used for converting all the chemicals into nano particles around 100 nm. Impact sensitivity of the pyrotechnic mixture was tested using the BAM method with an impact sensitivity tester. The friction sensitiveness was determined using a friction tester using the common test methods of BAM25 and corresponded to the UN recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods. DSC and SEM analysis were used as well. Findings: By reducing the particle size of aerial firework, it reduces environmental damage by reducing the sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitroxide etc., formation by complete combustion of chemicals. The sound and sparkling effect can also be achieved higher than the conventional fireworks. Practical implications: The quantity of the chemicals used to manufacture the conventional firework composition can be reduced by converting it to the nano size. This reduces the release of pollutant in atmosphere and provides safety to environment.