EVALUATION OF FIREWORKS RESIDUE OBTAINED FROM THE FLASH POWDER CONTAINING ALUMINIUM AND BORON

Abstract

Herein, we report the characteristics of residues obtained after igniting the flash powder mixture consisting of varying amounts of Aluminium (Al) and Boron (B) with other energetic materials like potassium nitrate (KNO3 ) and sulphur (S). The nature of particulate matter collected after combustion was characterized through FESEM-EDX, FTIR, STA (TGA/DSC) and ICP spectrometer. FTIR spectra analysis reveals about the presence of various metal oxides, K2 S and K2 SO4 . On replacing aluminum by boron, more alkaline K2 S present in the residue was converted into the neutral K2 SO4 . FESEM with EDX confirm the presence of the elements like Al, B, K, S, O, etc., and the size of the particles formed after combustion is about 400 nm. The gradual replacement of aluminum by boron is substantiated from the analysis of residue through ICP Spectrometer. Boron blended fireworks mixture on ignition produces excellent performances and the residues generated do not have any hazardous nature.