Pyrotechnic Supplies

20Mar/120

Fireworks are a source of endless and explosive fun. Many happy childhood memories involve their spectacular bursts of color and light. Those who have a lifelong love of watching and setting off fireworks may want to take their pyrotechnic fun to the next level, which is the adventure of making one's own fireworks. Assembling one's own fireworks can turn out to be a surprisingly easy and inexpensive process.

A firework, when viewed as a chemistry project, consists of three basic components: a fuel, an oxidizer, and additives. Fuels used in fireworks include metals such as aluminum, non-metallic inorganic materials like sulfur, and a large variety of carbon-based chemical substances. Oxidizers produce oxygen to support the burning of the fuel. The most common types of oxidizers are nitrates, perchlorates and chlorates. Additives is a catch-all category of substances that may modify the rate and temperature of the fuel's burning, provide the color of the fireworks, bind the ingredients together, or alter the mechanical behavior of the components when the firework is set off.

Scienceforyou.net is a leading provider of pyrotechnic supplies suitable for home use. The available stock of pyrotechnic chemicals useful for creating homemade fireworks includes fuels such as sulfur and powdered aluminum. potassium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, and potassium perchlorate are oxidizers on sale for making one's own fireworks. Scienceforyou.net is also a supplier of mortars and shells for homemade fireworks.

Notice! Warning! Disclaimer!
This information is provided for reading entertainment purposes only.

The hobby of making your own pyrotechnics is potentially VERY dangerous and should not be attempted by anyone who is not properly trained and or supervised.

This information is not intended to be considered complete - it is only supplied as interesting reading on the subject of pyrotechnics.

Use this information at your own risk.
You accept complete responsibility for any and all legal consequences, injuries or damages that may occur by utilizing this information.

Some things mentioned here may be illegal to make in your area or may require proper licensing.
You are responsible to know the legal requirements and consequences (if any) for making or utilizing any information provided on this site!

Also read our Basics of Pyrotechnic Safety article to learn more.