Introduction: Flash Cotton (Nitrocellulose)
Nitrocellulose is one of the best materials to use for low budget special effects, or just to have fun! This flash cotton can be used in many ways (as seen in step 4), and all of them are amazing to watch! They also make for amazing light paintings! See the pictures in the last step for examples.
This is part 2 of a 3 part project. See the last step for a hint of the next part!
Warning: This instructable can be dangerous if the proper safety precautions are not followed. Please be aware that handling a strong acid, such as sulfuric acid, can cause significant harm. Also, the nitrocellulose should be used responsibly, not to intentionally harm another living being.
Step 1: Materials
Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) | (Lowes, Amazon) |
Potassium nitrate (KNO3) | (Lowes, Amazon) |
Baking soda (NaHCO3) | (Grocery store, Amazon) |
Cotton balls | (Local pharmacy, Amazon) |
Tools:
- Safety goggles (preferably slash-proof)
- Rubber gloves
- Plastic cups or other plastic/glass containers
- Marker
- Beaker
- Scale
- Pan
- Salt
- Ice
- Plastic/glass stirring rod (no metal!)
- Bucket
- pH strips (optional)
Step 2: Preparation
Step 3: Process
Step 4: Using It!
Only a few of the uses for this amazing substance are listed here. Be creative and be safe!
Don't forget to comment if you liked it!
Sources: Nighthawkinlight

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32 Comments
9 years ago
Is there any substitute for KNO3 thx
Reply 2 years ago
HNO3 would be better like nodcah suggested, but NaNO3 would probably work just as well.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Yes. If HNO3 is used, it will create a much faster burning more explosive material. But, if you're looking for something easily accessible, KNO3 is the best option. Thanks for commenting! :-)
Question 4 years ago
I use powdered sulfur, not liquid. how many grams of powdered sulfur is the same as liquid sulfur?
Answer 2 years ago
It's sulfuric acid, not sulfur. You need to have H2SO4 instead of S8
5 years ago
if you mix nitrated cotton with ordinary cotton , would it burn both and still be as reactive? show us !
Reply 5 years ago
It definitely won't be as reactive. I also think that the cotton will absorb moisture and may make the reaction a lot less consistent
Reply 5 years ago
Thank you , I wonder if it creates enough heat ! to ignite the cotton. !
9 years ago on Introduction
I wonder if you make a flat sheet of this, and used a sort of friction ignition to ignite it. Like a melted matchhead on the paper, with the friction sheet from a match-box on your hand. Would be able to ignite it and make it look really cool
Reply 5 years ago
I see your looking for striker paper, I can help you sith that!
Reply 5 years ago
Striker paper? Magic tricks galore! If they sell this in standard letter size, it would be cool to print on and mess with people.
On a different note, It's been almost four years since I first commented on this. It's still pretty cool to get feedback!
Reply 5 years ago
I have a striker company in Thailand , we have A4 sheets of P4 striker paper. , how many do you want, and where do you want it send to ? there self adhesive, backing. you cut them up according to your own size. we put them in a straw, used in our annual black powder rockets . vai vai ! to light them . thermalrelease@gmail.com our company is also for sale . let me know? 99% P4 red Phosphorus . is extra sensitive to a ordinary match.
7 years ago
Very cool tutorial!
Just one question: Do I have to use potassium nitrate, or will other nitrates such as magnesium nitrate or calcium nitrate work too? I live in Germany where potassium nitrate isn't available.
Reply 7 years ago
It works out chemically and it's a similar reaction, so I'd say go for it!
Reply 7 years ago
Ok, I'll try it. If I get any positive results I'm going to post them here.
Thanks for the Answer!
Reply 7 years ago
Please do post your results!! I'll add it in the Instructable whether it works or doesn't so others can know! =D
7 years ago
thanks for the info
8 years ago
If I were to make this and have the cotton soak all the materials and then air dry it with the materials soaked into the cotton and ignite it while it's in my hand would it work like the original flash cotton or would it hurt
Reply 8 years ago
It doesn't hurt at all! To get it to not hurt, be sure to pull it apart so it's very fluffy and it should work work perfectly!
8 years ago
Flashboy .... you are a charmer...i saw your intrbls on flash using chemistry as well as electronics...an artist you are thumbs up!!