14 Great Cut Star Fireworks Formulas
A Collection of Star Formulations
by K.L and B.J. KosankeAt one time, we were engaged in the commercial manufacture of stars. During that time we assembled (developed, borrowed or modified) a series of star formulations. It was felt that the formulations were reasonably safe and cost effective, while at the same time, performed well (relatively easy ignition and fairly good color or comet effects). Over the years, when asked for advise concerning useful star formulations, we frequently supplied copies of "these" formulations. In the thought that there are others that might wish to have access to them, this short article has been assembled.
Below are the star formulations, given in parts by weight. Unless otherwise noted, water was the solvent used to activate the binder. Normally round stars were manufactured in a star rolling machine. However, the formulations should work equally well to make cut or pressed stars. Where needed, notes have been included for clarity.
| Chemical | Red | Blue | Purple | Green | Red Strobe |
White Strobe |
Green Strobe |
| Potassium Perchlorate | 68 | 61 | 61 | - | - | - | - |
| Ammonium Perchlorate | - | - | - | - | 34 | - | - |
| Barium Nitrate | - | - | - | 56 | - | 53 | 49 |
| Copper Carbonate | - | 12 | 5 | - | - | - | - |
| Strontium Carbonate | 13 | - | 8 | - | 15 | - | - |
| Sulfur | - | - | - | 9 | 24 | 23 | 18 |
| Parlon | - | 13 | 12 | 14 | - | - | - |
| Hexachlorobenzene | - | - | - | - | 5 | - | 6 |
| Red Gum | 14 | 9 | 9 | 3 | - | - | - |
| Mg/Al (-60 mesh) | - | - | - | - | 12 | 12 | 11 |
| Mg/Al (-200 mesh) | - | - | - | 4 | - | 6 | 9 |
| Aluminum (12mic., atom.) | - | - | - | 9 | - | - | - |
| Dextrin | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Boric Acid | - | - | - | 1 | - | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Potassium Dichromate | 0.5 | - | - | - | 5 | 2 | 2 |
| Notes: | (A) | (B & C) | (B & C) | ||||
| References: | (1) | (1) | (2) | (2) |
(A) Do not prime with meal prime, use only red strobe prime.
(B) Adjust strobe rate by using greater or lesser amounts of Mg/Al (200 mesh).
(C) Priming consisted of a very heavy application of meal prime (30-50% of total star weight).
| Chemical | Meal Prime |
Red Strobe Prime |
Willow | Gold Glitter |
Soft Silver |
Bright Silver |
Pearl |
| Potassium Perchlorate | - | 68 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Potassium Nitrate | 75 | - | 64 | 55 | 50 | 64 | 35 |
| Barium Nitrate | - | - | - | - | 10 | - | - |
| Charcoal (air float) | 15 | 18 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 13 | 15 |
| Charcoal (80 mesh) | - | - | 9 | - | - | - | - |
| Zinc Dust | - | - | - | - | - | - | 40 |
| Aluminum (12mic., atom.) | - | - | - | 5 | - | - | - |
| Aluminum (50-120 mesh) | - | - | - | - | 10 | - | - |
| Titanium (20-40 mesh) | - | - | - | - | - | 9 | - |
| Red Gum | - | 9 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Sulfur | 10 | - | 9 | 17 | 15 | 9 | 5 |
| Dextrin | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Potassium Dichromate | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Sodium Bicarbonate | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | - |
| Notes: | (D) | (D) | 3 | ||||
| Notes: | (3) | (4) | 3 |
(D) Can also be mixed with nitrocellulose lacquer for use as a quick drying slurry prime.
References
(1) T. Shimizu, "Studies on Blue and Purple Flame Compositions Made with Potassium Perchlorate" Pyrotechnica VI, (1980).
(2) R. Winokur, Private communication.
(3) T. Fisher, "Glitter Stars without Antimony". PGI Bulletin No. 24 (1981).
(4) R. Sheard and others, Private communication.