Introduction: Flash Powder
It stays reasonably stable under various moisture conditions.
For instructions on making squibs (small flat pack explosives), see my other instructable.
*** WARNINGS:***
- THIS INSTRUCTABLE INVOLVES HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.
- OXIDATION HAZARD.
- EXPLOSION HAZARD.
- YOU CAN HURT YOURSELF.
- NOT FOR CHILDREN.
- FOLLOW DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY, AND USE COMMON SENSE.
Step 1: Gather Materials
- aluminum powder
- potassium perchlorate powder
- a metal cylinder for rolling out powder
- an anti-static bag for mixing
- a precise scale, capable of measuring single-gram quantities
Step 2: Prepare the Work Area
Make sure your work table is flat, clean, and dry.
Make sure there is NO possibility of static shocks: Do not wear rubber shoes on synthetic carpets in cool, dry air, etc...
Lay out your materials neatly, and DESIGNATE AN AREA FOR EACH CHEMICAL. They become an explosive when mixed together, so you don't want them mixing unless you mean to.
Step 3: Measure and Mill Perchlorate
Decide on your batch size. I suggest NOT mixing more than 12 grams at a time.
Weigh out perchlorate in the amount of 2/3 of your batch size. For example: A 12 gram batch is 8 grams perchlorate, 4 grams aluminum powder.
Place the pile of perchlorate on a small piece of paper, in its spot on the work surface, and GENTLY use the metal roller to mill it into a very fine powder.
The finer the powder is, the more reliable your triggering will be.
If it is very clumpy, you may wish to scoop it up into a pile again, and re-mill it several times.
When you are done, use the piece of paper to pour your powder into the mixing bag.
Step 4: Measure Aluminum Powder
"Fluff" your aluminum powder by agitating it with a spoon or similar instrument. This serves the same purpose of the milling did with the perchlorate: The powder will not be clumped together, and it will mix better, making a more reliable explosive.
Again, using your scale, measure 1/3 of your batch size in aluminum powder.
Carefully pour the aluminum powder into the mixing bag with the perchlorate.
Step 5: Final Mix
once you have both materials in the bag, gently rock the bag back and forth about ten times, until the two powders are thoroughly mixed.
Congratulations! You have made flash powder. Be careful with it.
Store in a clean, dry place, in a sealed container, away from children and pets. Store away from sources of ignition, and from other chemicals.
To incorporate your flash powder into flat pack explosives, see my other instructable: flat-pack explosive (squib).
