Sparklers are small handheld fireworks that give off fiery sparks rather
than explode. Sparklers consist of a thin metal or wooden stick coated
with a simple pyrotechnic mixture. Colored sparklers really are as easy
to make as regular sparklers. The difference lies in the oxidizer that
is used. You're basically replicating a flame test,
except in reverse since you know the colors to expect from various
metal ions. Potassium nitrate or saltpeter will impart a violet color.
Barium nitrate burns green. Strontium nitrate burns red. Aside from
ordering from a chemical supply store, you can find strontium nitrate in
emergency flares and potassium nitrate at some garden supply stores (or
you can make it yourself). You can mix in other metal salts from the flame test or colored fire
list, but only go for one color. If you try to mix colors, you'll
likely wind up with a basic golden sparkler. There are several recipes
for colored sparklers. Here are some examples. Ingredients are listed in
terms of parts by weight, so you can use milligrams or grams or
ounces... whatever works for you.
Red Sparklers
- 5 parts strontium nitrate
- 1 part shellac
Dip
iron wires or wooden sticks in the mixture and allow it to dry
completely before use. Be sure to leave enough room on the stick so that
you can hold the sparkler safely.
Green Sparklers
- 300 parts potassium chlorate
- 60 parts barium nitrate
- 60 parts aluminum fines, flitter, or granules
- 2 parts charcoal
- 10% dextrin in water solution
Dip the wires or sticks in a mixture made from the dry
ingredients with just enough dextrin solution to make a thick slurry.
Dry the sparklers before use.
Purple Sparklers
- 14 parts potassium nitrate
- 3 parts powdered sulfur
- 3 parts powdered charcoal
- 2 parts aluminum flitter (for sparks)
- 10% dextrin in water
Dip the sticks in a mixture made from the dry ingredients with enough dextrin solution to make a slurry.
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