Assessment of sustainable compositions to reduce emissions and sound pressure level of flash powder
1E.T.S.I Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Madrid, Spain; TECMINERGY - Laboratorio Oficial J.M. Madariaga (LOM), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Madrid, Spain.
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Summary
Researchers explored eco-friendly alternatives to traditional flash powder in fireworks. Adding inert materials like sodium bicarbonate significantly reduced noise and emissions, offering a sustainable pyrotechnic future.
Area of Science:
- Pyrotechnic chemistry
- Environmental science
- Acoustics
Background:
- Flash powder, essential for pyrotechnic devices, causes environmental and noise pollution.
- Current fireworks pose challenges due to adverse impacts from compounds like flash powder.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop sustainable alternatives to flash powder for pyrotechnics.
- To reduce pollutant emissions and sound pressure levels in fireworks.
Main Methods:
- Collected F2 category flash bangers for analysis.
- Tested inert materials (sodium bicarbonate, recycled glass) and nitrocellulose as flash powder substitutes.
- Measured sound pressure levels and evaluated CO/CO2 emissions.
Main Results:
- Inert material additions (10-20%) significantly reduced noise and emissions.
- Nitrocellulose with <12.6% nitrogen did not perform adequately as a flash powder replacement.
Conclusions:
- Inert compounds show promise as viable alternatives to flash powder in pyrotechnics.
- Further research on higher nitrogen content nitrocellulose is needed for potential substitution.