Fiproworks

An invention for a better future

The invention consists of a number of formulations with different properties. The applications are generally the same as with Black Powder or Flash Powder as follows:

A. Rocket propellants: For this application the formulations are used just like Black Powder by pressing the powder into the rocket casings.
Some of the propellant formulations will also melt upon heating and can be extruded at temperatures between 50 – 100° C or can be shaped into any shape one wishes. The hot molten propellant can be injected into the casings and left to cool down without the risk of explosion hazard. Some formulations can also be re-heated and shaped by hand at temperatures between 40 – 60°C.
Other formulations are flexible at room temperature although the single ingredients are solids with high melting points.

B. Replacement of Black Powder in Pyrotechnics production: A good high quality Black Powder needs about 48 hours of processing time compared to the newly invented substitute which takes from 1 – 2 hours to obtain the ready-for-use product. The product – depending on the formulation – is obtained either as a fine powder or as more or less coarse grains ranging from 1 – 20 mm.

C. Replacement of Black Powder for Mining: Many of the formulations can be used as an explosive for mining to replace Black Powder. The use of Black Powder in mining is traditionally to obtain bigger pieces of stones like for example marble. While Black Powder mining is still dangerous due to its sensitivity, especially electrostatic discharges etc, the newly invented powder can be used the same way without these risks. Although less sensitive than Black Powder, it is being ignited by simple fuse or electrically.

D. Replacement of Flash Powder: Flash powders normally contain finely ground Mg or Al with Nitrates or Chlorates/Perchlorates as Oxidator. Combustion is very rapid, sometimes explosively.
Such mixtures are very sensitive to impact and friction and Mg-containing mixtures are also moisture sensitive. Moisture may cause self-ignition in some Mg/Nitrate mixtures.
Depending on the application, the new powders are a safe replacement for flash powder. Their use for instance in firecrackers or salutes – just where sound is important – is a good alternative to Flash Powder.

E. Replacement of Black Powder in Firearms: Black Powder is still popular in the USA and many European countries for its traditional use in firearms like muzzle loaders, guns or in mortars. The problem here is that the Black Powder residues are very corrosive to metals due to the presence of sulphur.
This is unfortunately also true for Black Powder substitutes containing Perchlorates. Here Chlorine or Hydrochloric acid is the cause for corrosion. Many of the new powder formulations are free of chlorine and sulphur thus preserve guns and metal far better.

The new powders are not mixed and milled in the traditional way as is the case with Black Powder. The single ingredients are processed to obtain the maximum equal distribution, and
the product is ready for use.

3 categories

The products can be classified into 3 categories:

1. Formulations which will replace BP

Includes powders with similar properties like BP. However, depending on the end-use, it will not always replace BP by a 1:1 ratio. Sometimes you may use more and sometimes less amounts of the new powder in comparison to BP.
For the shooting with guns or large caliber cannons chlorine-free and sulfurless powders will be quite interesting. We expect easier cleaning and less corrosion of weapons.

2. Formulations which will replace Flash Powder

Includes powders which will replace Flash Powders. In confinement these powders explode as violently as FP and are far more powerful than BP.
Their advantage compared to BP is the high safety. Flash Powders contain a mix of Perchlorate/Aluminum or Magnesium and such mixes are very sensitive to impact or friction. Production and transportation is done only under tough precautionary measures and shelf life is limited.
Our FP substitutes are very insensitive to physical impact and use Potassium nitrate as sole oxidizer – no chlorates, heavy metals etc. are being used.

3. Formulations which exhibit an extremely high safety standard.

The difference here is that they are extremely safe to manufacture and handle. Compared to BP, these powders are difficult to ignite and burning continues only close to the ignition source. For example a fuse will cause burning of the powder which is in direct contact to the fuse but flames will not spread further. The same is true if a burning cigarette will be dropped on some spilled powder on the floor. Accidental explosions caused by neglect, carelessness during production, dropping of boxes containing these powders etc. are virtually impossible. Under confinement, depending on the formulation one uses, these powders explode with moderate to very powerful force.

All 3 above mentioned have in common that production time is very short (about 2-3 hours) for the ready-to use product in comparison to BP. They are much easier and safer to produce and handle than BP let alone Flash Powder. Shelf life is for almost all products unlimited. Production costs are in the range of BP.