How to Make Fireworks 101: Basic Chemistry of Compositions

A short explanation of what chemicals are responsible for the various effects seen in fireworks. This is a simple overview to provide a little bit of knowledge for those starting to look into the art of pyrotechnics.
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Please put some thought into your questions. We support the safe and legal practice of the art of pyrotechnics, we will not provide information for anything that appears to be less than pure artistic intent.
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[@_ThreeStrikes_]

To the FBI agent watching me: i am watching this for educational purposes only

[@TheKingofRandom]

Great video. Thanks for more understanding on the subject. Where do you get your information on firework compositions?

[@malachiyates8079]

The King of Random OMG THE ROOTS OF TKOR

[@angstyteen3232]

Holy crap TKOR

[@sauravyash]

RIP TO THE BIGGEST DIY LEGEND EVER

[@ThatTallGuy0]

Oh shit 😂

[@someinternetbox168]

Oh dam it’s TKOR

[@bib3567]

this is genuinely everything ive been looking for in a full on beginner video in firework building! trying to teach myself and this is great man, much love ❤️

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@Arteolike No. Copper sulfate is not used in fireworks because it degrades over time, and is generally very problematic to use. Also, potassium nitrate compositions cannot take color as I said in the video. You need another oxidizer such as potassium perchlorate in order to make colors. Finally, if you do make a perchlorate star composition, you may not ram it into a fountain, because only nitrate based compositions may be rammed safely.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@blobdabob I buy my chemicals in bulk wherever I can find them cheapest. More info about both of your questions can be found on my website, and APC forum. Links to both of those sites can be found in the video description.

[@MrWTBilly]

This video was great for someone as inexperienced in the art of pyrotechnics as me and I deeply appreciate the time you took to make it. Thank you ever so much. :)

[@Nighthawkinlight]

That can depend on a lot of things, but typically no if you are in the US. I recommend that you visit the forum linked to in the video description to ask further questions and research if you have interest in learning about how to make fireworks.

[@RelentlessHomesteading]

Lots packed into a short vid. THanks

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@kcinkcinkcinnick Yes, you could do that. PVC is usually not the only fuel in a composition though. I suggest you ask further questions you have at amateurpyro(dot)com so that you can get more in depth input.

[@Arteolike]

I just made a simple fountain! It was so cool! Lasted for really long, because used little potassium nitrate, and it was nice and low, but exciting! MY FIRST FIREWORK! Thanks so much for helping me!

[@scottkrieman8108]

Great video! When I was a kid in school I was in a rock band and the guy we had running the PA system made a flash pot that he filled with crushed up model rocket engines to use at the opening of a show. When we started the first song he pushed the button to ignite the flash pot and it was a huge flash and big puff of smoke but all the power went out in the whole building because he had a plug in a 110 volt AC wall outlet rather than a 12 volt DC battery to get the ignition spark. Now over 40 years latter I am making flash pots that go off when I hit a target with my slingshot but the cost of rocket engines from Hobby Lobby are too much money so this is why I am watching these kind of videos to learn how to make the flash powder cheaper. Don't want to make any sound just a big cloud of smoke and maybe a little white flash.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Flash powder is very dangerous. Join a local pyrotechnics club to learn about the safety involved. Pgi.org

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@MrCraigmather No, I can't. That's too much information for me to go over. Start doing some research. A good place to start is amateurpyro(dot)com

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@d2kool594 Yes, it has been quite slow because of winter. I have many videos in the works however, and as you can see I have a new HD camera and studio setup to inspire me. This is the only channel I use.

[@RamblinAround]

Can't potassium perchlorate be combined with sugar to make a rocket propellant? Interesting video, nicely done.

[@randomdood0067]

It's potassium nitrate and suger to make sugar rockets

[@guythat779]

Yes you can, the guy before me is using strict recipes from KZbin videos but you can use the variety

[@Burntrice747]

Pottsssium nitrate and sugar is what makes rocket fuel

[@guythat779]

@@Burntrice747 that's the standard KZbin mix but it's not set in stone Perchlorate works

[@jasondowell9895]

That’s kno3

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@AkiTheBrainiac That's a very complicated issue. If you really are interested in knowing the law you will need to read the ATF orange book as well as your State law.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@lyrison $2.50/lb if I remember right. Magnesium powder is not expensive if you find the right supplier, the expensive part is shipping it.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@6squirrels When cornstarch is cooked it is a chemical process that is taking place which changes the very nature of the starch. It is similar to caramelizing sugar. Regular corn starch is useless as a glue, but dextrin is very sticky when wet and will harden into a solid mass which makes it perfect as a binder in stars.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@extrasonic In my experience high temperature is almost always either detrimental to colors or not a key factor in their saturation. Nitrates certainly burn hot enough to produce color, but unless the nitrate is of a color generating compound such as strontium or barium it is incapable of producing color with added salts because of chlorine deficiency. To prove my point, look at ammonium perchlorate blues. They are by far the best, for the very reason that they burn at the lowest temperatures.

[@learodriguez1362]

How could i lower the temperature so it doesn't burn the colors (sorry for my english)

[@skyym3629]

Thank you for this basic illustration of the different chemicals and there use in fireworks. You really made that easy to understand. Thumbs up as always and God Bless

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@Flomounier1 It is perfectly legal to own all the chemicals I have shown today without a license if you are in the States. Depending on local regulation you may also use them to make fireworks and compositions, also no need for a license. Without an ATF approvable magazine however you may not store any fireworks or compositions for more than 24 hours after creation. You also may not transport your fireworks without a license. The best way to find your local laws is to join a club.

[@RHINORyan92]

Good stuff Nighthawk, keep posting videos on this because i want to start making my own fireworks, it will a hobby, but i want to be safe at doing this, but also have fun.

[@lacrosseattacker10]

most chemistry i've learned since watching breaking bad

[@ladedk]

Hey, good vid!! I noticed you have a tub of lead oxide in there. One thing i would really like to see, is a video which describes the best alternatives to using heavy metal compounds and other pollutants. I LOVE fireworks, but also feel that I'm sometimes letting too much crap into our nature, just for a few minutes worth of fun (well that's an understatement, it's more like AWESOMENESS, right?). I don't mean to be a nag, but you asked for comments, and these are my 2 cents on the subject....

[@w4yn6]

I've been a pyrotechnician for a few years now and honestly I don't know half the stuff that you mention here simply because I'm not involve in making them (we just buy it from chinese factories) . Thanks for this informative video.

[@PyroPortrayal]

The informative quality is superb in this video NHL! Since I already know these facts, I will use this video as a tool to educate others that need guidance :)

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@aznmeowmeow Match heads are not sulfur. They contain a very reactive oxidizer and a fuel, neither of which I will reveal the identity of. Harvesting chemicals from such sources is asking for trouble. You will have an accident if you continue using powder from matches for anything at all. You have a lot research still to do if you did not know that. Start reading at the forum posted in the video description.

[@joepoelmans5910]

Some matchheads contain sulfur and as king of random has said in his videos its close to armstrong mixture so to not tell people what the make up is ironically stupid. You're making homemade fireworks which is dangerous in itself so telling people using match heads which many have already done is too dangerous to name a few chemicals or compounds for fear of their safety is as i said ironically stupid.

[@joepoelmans5910]

people can easily look it up online but if you told them what theyre looking for they can at least look up the pros and cons of it and learn how to be safer with it besides not using it, which now that vids like yours are showing people how to make this stuff at home they're going to anyways.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@rgmcall I was given the lead. I would certainly chose bismuth trioxide over it every time.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@TheBombBros Ah I forgot about shellac. That is very often used as a binder. I have never heard of PVC being used as a binder, to my knowledge it is purely a chlorine donor. Red gum is sometimes used to bind stars, but it is not as strong as parlon or shellac.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@shortywarn Those are called salute shells.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@pryowannabe Yeah, I'm working on it. This is a start.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@Nanovirus5995 Be sure to join the forum at amateurpyro(dot)com, we would be glad to have you there. Yes, that is 5 pounds of Mg.

[@Camroc37]

Great timed and planned video! Can you show us how to physically make a rocket, and how to pack it?

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@junior420909 No, but many of those who view my videos are.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@matthew2496 A match could be taken to every chemical shown in this video with no effect apart from the magnesium, which burns slowly in atmospheric O2. In order for any one of these to be particularly flammable they must be mixed with others. The oxidizers need fuel, and the fuels need oxidizers. They are stored separate and securely. In the event of a fire there would not be violent reactions. I do not store any mixed compositions, and I do not build fireworks indoors.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@Kuwaiti55 That is because KMnO4 is NOT used in fireworks! It is EXTREMELY unpredictable and dangerous. There are absolutely no respected pyrotechnics that will go near the stuff, and for very good reason. Just because something is easy to come by does not mean it is safe to use in fireworks. Get rid of it.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@extrasonic If that were the only reason that potassium nitrate can't normally produce good color, that should be correctable by using a comp with a lot of Mg to raise the temp, which it is not. Those may be the temperatures that the salts decompose at, but they still produce color when introduced to a lower temp flame. Try holding them over a candle. If you really want to find out if you're correct about this go post on APC. There are much better chemists over there than I.

[@pyroguy1030]

Wow! Great video, this will be very helpful for those beginning in the art of pyrotechnics. Keep up the great work! :)

[@jimmysrandomness]

Great short informative video with lot of info that is easly to understand😅👍

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@666TECHNO666 No, it is too unstable when mixed with typical pyro chemicals. I have experimented with it and there is a reason it's not used in fireworks. It seems to degrade and react with any composition it is present in.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@aznmeowmeow No you really can't. Join a pyrotechnic club and you will get many first person contacts for purchasing chemicals. More importantly, you will learn firsthand from experienced people how to safely and effectively use them.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Search for compositions for colored stars that have already been created. Be sure to double check that they are safe on a site such as amateurpyro(dot)com before using them.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@kcinkcinkcinnick Pure chlorine is a gas, you can't just mix it with something. You can use PVC as a chlorine donor, but not as a binder.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@hobomnky No more expensive than most every other hobby. It takes about $200 to start with some good basic materials and tools.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@andybabes1995 No. Flash is dangerous, overused, and abused.

[@Gadamlu]

this would be fun to get into as a hobby. tell me, would there be any hassles in obtaining these compounds and the like for use in fireworks?

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@ladedk I haven't used the lead oxide since I acquired it. It's too poisonous for it to be worth handling for me. The only thing it is commonly used for is dragon eggs. It can be replaced with non toxic bismuth oxides. Skylighter has an article about non toxic dragons eggs in the newsletter archives.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@Dangcosmo In the US, sort of, but it is not that simple. In Canada, no, it is not legal.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@PyroPortrayal That is just the purpose I intended it to be used for.

[@JDeffenb]

You should make some videos on pyrotechnics! Very informative.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@RamblinAround Potassium nitrate and sugar is more common. Black powder is the most common.

[@ThePinkishGizmo]

A wonderful first introduction; explanatory and concise. I shall certainly be subscribing, and researching into firework "recipes." Thanks!

[@Nighthawkinlight]

The difference between those old firecrackers that gave them so much more power than what we have today is simply quantity of the explosive composition. Today's firecrackers are limited to .05 grams of charge, whereas military m-80's (which were used in simulations to act as grenades and soon got into the hands of civilians) as well as non military devices such as cherry bombs commonly contained in excess of 3 grams of composition. That's 60 times what is legal now.

[@omegahunter9]

I love fireworks, and I love chemistry. I only wish you did more videos like this :P

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Aluminum powder and iron oxide are the typical chemicals used in thermite, and the military composition does also contain barium nitrate. Perhaps that is what you are thinking of.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@junior420909 Dragon eggs are a little too dangerous for a beginner project.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@TycoTrainAL The reason that black powder is coated on various things before being used as burst in ball shells is to save on weight in the shell, as well as BP. To coat your rice crispies throw them in a large bowl, and while tossing them around give them a light misting with water and about 10% liquid starch in a spray bottle. Dust with finely milled BP until no more sticks. Repeat for 3-5 coats. As an alternative to liquid starch, mill your BP with 5% added dextrin, then mist with water only.

[@MrAbbyandlilly]

hi, is it possible for you to guide me to more detailed chemilcial mixutres and ratios to create great stars as well as understanding those compuonds that can replace black powder.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Look up amateurpyro(dot)com. The forums there have all the information you need.

[@RandomReupload833]

Is the chlorine pure powder or has a mix ? And can I add black iron oxide and chlorine together?

[@TycoTrainAL]

Hmmmmm! Ok, that makes sense. I was under the impression the BP coated hulls were for helping with ignition of the stars too. I'll try the formula you posted below and post a video of the results. Thanks for the quick reply!

[@arty5279]

Even though this video was made long ago, is there a video of how to make the actual firework stars? If so, could you reply the link? BTW, amazing firework videos, as they help me learn new things.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Here's one video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2G6kGSGlJWrmKc There are lots of other methods. I would recommend reading on amateurpyro.com or passfire.com.

[@arty5279]

Alright, thanks so much! I'm planning on making my own mortar shell from scratch. Also, what are some recommendations for soft wood charcoal?

[@williamela3340]

+Artillery God I would recommend willow but you can also use things like balsa, aspen and pine. However, if you can get it, willow would be the best

[@arty5279]

Thank you so much, as I knew about other types of wood such as cedar, but I needed to know the best, and you told me, thanks!

[@williamela3340]

Artillery God no problem!

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@Chribbe0502 It's in a yellow container.

[@Arteolike]

Oh and i have a question, if i make a simple black powder composition, and add come copper sulfate or something, then wet it in alcohol and into a mesh to make VERY little "stars" then add it into a fountain, will it give it some color?

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@Fallen10100 There are no substitutes for any of these chemicals.

[@nalevario]

Great Info Pyro!

[@DLuxProductions]

Awesome video. Thanks!

[@pleasurenadpain]

Really great video bud.. Good for new fire workers ...

[@MadScientist267]

Ok I know this is *REALLY* late to the party... but it caught my eye, having messed with strontium as a colorant... Strontium *carbonate* ? What might the difference be? I would think a carbonate present would slow things down... but is there also a change in the color? I am familiar with it in "pure" form as chloride as a colorant, and only in methanol, and I'm aware that chlorine alters the color in some way (still trying to understand that actually lol).. I've only seen it burn with one other anion, the nitrate, as a road flare... but I'm aware that the other 2 potassium salts will definitely change the color, so I *still* haven't seen strontium with my own eye going in a solid state yet. I currently can't experiment with it and I'm really curious what is different.

[@TheFyroPyro]

@Nighthawkinlight you forgot to mention manganese heptoxide as a powerful oxidizer too

[@fireworksppcc]

@RamblinAround no, for a propellant you need original black powder.

[@blobdabob]

Two q's. Where do you aquire your chemicals, and What do you use to create your black powder?

[@Kuwaiti55]

You didn't mansion KMnO4 as a powerful Oxidizer Thank You, Nice Video

[@wallclock4648]

Wonder what the difference between the ingredients of black powder and flash powder are

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@TheFyroPyro I forgot nothing. It's ridiculous to even consider associating that chemical with fireworks.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@Sleepyhead54 Sure is

[@BassheadCurry]

wow, nice new camera! im glad to see you producing more videos. one question. is parlon, or pvc a better binder in perchlorate stars? ive heard both. i have also heard of redgum and shellac being used. but im not sure if they are used for binder alone or more of a color enhancer.

[@SuperHarrysWorld]

yeah but diddnt the m80's have barium nitrate aluminium powder and iron oxide in them which i dont have to tell you what it does or am i thinking of something else?

[@BassheadCurry]

@Nighthawkinlight okay thankyou. theres just so many out there its hard to keep them all in mind. but i like your video. it is easy to understand for beginners but still helpful to those professionals. i know some folks that only use black powder chems. this way everything is easy and chemicals are cheap.

[@BassheadCurry]

@Nighthawkinlight i agree. i have never used potassium permanganate, but i hear it is highly unstable. i have to give you a thumbs up on that. i stick with KClO4, KNO3, sulfur, Al, charcoal, and a few various colorants as main sources for comositions. although i have not yet come across Ammonium Perchlorate. my only intention with it is to make purple stars. other than that, i stick with well known chemicals.

[@kevinouellette1893]

What is the web site to purchase potassium perchlorate and other chems?

[@spinafire]

Good video, great for beginners.

[@aztecworrior79]

Awesome info!.

[@aznmeowmeow]

I dont want to sound stupid or anything, but can you get aluminum powder from aluminum shavings?

[@Xempt_One]

hey, just wondering...would you be able to use copper sulfate to make coloured stars or not, i have some lieing around???

[@aznmeowmeow]

@MrMamatis You know most viewers are 13+ of age, they'll have no idea what you're talking about. Point is that these chemicals aren't really that avaliable to certain ages, area, and they're parent's judgement. So even though you show amazing tutorials the materials aren't easy to get. Source: I live in NY EVERYTHING IS HARD TO GET. SORRY SOUTHERNERS.

[@AirrowRocket]

Well done video.

[@aidenwitt9844]

I have a question what kind of aluminum powder does it use is it like aluminum oxide or another form of aluminum it's kinda hard to know which one is which if it's not labeled

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Powered aluminum metal

[@Serostern]

Great vid, Nighthawk! Keep em coming =)

[@Dad4_Service]

thank you very much - this was a great 101 (maybe a 70 or 80 but it was good starting point :) with this I now need to know how to combine/mix and make the final products ... oh that's a lot :) but again good start good video

[@aftab.mullafirework0029]

sir is number pe formule send kijiye na whait giter aur spider

[@aftab.mullafirework0029]

sir is number par formule send kijiye na 9561410384 watsapp no he

[@junior420909]

@Nighthawkinlight but your videos prove to me your not a beginner

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@PyroGamingPro Check the supplier reviews section of amateurpyro(dot)com.

[@francisc2421]

is there any way to make a quick burning black powder without sulfer or getting the powder wet.

[@isaacchen6630]

A ball mill. Other than that, not that I know of.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@aznmeowmeow If aluminum powder is the first thing you want, your priorities are way off. You need to learn the basics, not play with flash, which is the most dangerous of all fireworks compositions. Learn to make black powder, that is the key to fireworks.

[@StayProteus]

hey how do you know so much about this stuff? i know some of it like how to make black powder by mixing and cooking kno3 with sulfer and charcoal but again how do you know so much i'd like to know so please reply thanks

[@Gadamlu]

well, what a pleasant surprise in speed of reply :) thank you, and i will have a look, thanks!

[@wannaparty247]

@Nighthawkinlight Hey Nighthawk, what ratio Would you suggest for a decent Red Star Mix based off of Strontium Nitrate, Also, where excatly did you get that Magnessium, thanks.

[@shortywarn]

question,,,,, what is the name of the firework at shows,,,, really, really loud boom,,, sounds like a cannon,,,, and they may make a silver flash,,,, but the overwhelming sound is it's main characteristic,,,, and they usually go off lower than others like maybe 300-600 feet. these are my favorite and totally rock,,,, and i always wondered what the name of them was

[@shadowcircus8314]

Where do you even get these items?

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@wannaparty247 Cannonfuse(dot)com has a great formula database that contains many strontium nitrate compositions. The magnesium is from a personal contact. You will need to do your own searching for another supplier online.

[@kevinbolin7665]

Great video ...very informative...

[@Flomounier1]

@Nighthawkinlight Hey, do you have an ATF license? I was just curious if it was illegal to own the SUPPLIES without an ATF license. Now, I know owning illegal fireworks can get you in to trouble but I was just wondering if the supplies to make them are illegal.