KNO3 Permit Needed for Rocket Building Checklist

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the requirements and challenges of obtaining materials for building a rocket, specifically focusing on the need for permits to purchase potassium nitrate (KNO3) and exploring alternative materials like zinc and sulfur. Participants discuss the implications of using these chemicals, their availability, and legal considerations in different countries.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about needing a permit for KNO3 and questions how to proceed with rocket building using alternative materials.
  • Another participant explains that rocket fuels are classified as energetic materials and that strong oxidizers like nitrates are considered dangerous.
  • Some participants suggest using zinc and sulfur as alternatives, questioning whether permits are needed for these materials and their relative costs.
  • There is mention of the violent reaction between zinc and sulfur, although it is noted that the mixture has a relatively low specific impulse.
  • A participant shares a personal experience of purchasing potassium nitrate as stump remover and its effectiveness in making gunpowder.
  • Concerns are raised about the legal implications of purchasing controlled materials and the importance of checking local laws.
  • Specific impulse is discussed, with one participant seeking clarification on its meaning and implications for rocket performance.
  • Another participant questions the appropriateness of providing advice on rocket building in potentially dangerous contexts, such as war regions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views regarding the legality and safety of using KNO3 and alternatives like zinc and sulfur. There is no consensus on the best approach to take, and concerns about legal repercussions and safety are highlighted.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention that KNO3 is banned in some countries, which may influence the availability of materials and the legality of their use. The discussion reflects varying levels of understanding about the chemical properties and safety of the proposed alternatives.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in amateur rocketry, chemistry enthusiasts, and those navigating legal regulations related to the purchase of chemical materials for experimental purposes may find this discussion relevant.

sarah2529
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I'm creating a checklist for all the required materials I need to build a rocket. Everything was fine except the KNO3. They said that I need to have a permit to buy this chemical? Now what should I do. How can I fly a rocket with just a sugar on it. :(
 
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Nothing suprising - rocket fuels are classified as energetic materials, just like explosives. In both cases you need a lot of energy in short time, thus many of the substances used in both cases are identical - and they are considered dangerous. That's especially true in the case of strong oxidizers, like nitrates.
 
I watch some rockets flew in youtube and most of them are kids and teens.

So what should I do now? How about Zinc and Sulfur? Do I need a permit for that? Does it cost lesser because I it is much weaker that kno3.
 
sarah2529 said:
I watch some rockets flew in youtube and most of them are kids and teens.

So what should I do now? How about Zinc and Sulfur? Do I need a permit for that? Does it cost lesser because I it is much weaker that kno3.
Because nitrates (KNO3, NH4NO3, . . .) and perchlorates are powerful oxidants used in the manufacture of explosives, as well as solid rocket fuel, they are controlled.

Why not just buy a rocket motor from a hobby store?

Zinc is a metal and sulfur is not an oxidant. One can buy sulfur for acidifying soil.
 
Last edited:
Astronuc said:
Why not just buy a rocket motor from a hobby store?
No one sell rocket motor on our country though fireworks is legal on my country.

Astronuc said:
Zinc is a metal and sulfur is not an oxidant. One can buy sulfur for acidifying soil.

I'll try looking for a stump remover in ACE Hardware. But I'm pretty sure they don't have it but I'll try it.
 
Astronuc said:
Zinc is a metal and sulfur is not an oxidant.

They react violently enough to be used in rocket engines, although the mixture has relatively low specific impulse.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAeLgtJbJpc
 
sarah2529 said:
I'm creating a checklist for all the required materials I need to build a rocket. Everything was fine except the KNO3. They said that I need to have a permit to buy this chemical? Now what should I do. How can I fly a rocket with just a sugar on it. :(

Try a hardware store, look for "Stump Remover".
 
Borek said:
They react violently enough to be used in rocket engines, although the mixture has relatively low specific impulse.
Seems a slow reaction like deflagration or combustion, as opposed to detonation.
 
I once bought potassium nitrate as stump remover from a plant store to make gunpowder. Judging from the quality of the gunpowder, the KNO3 was quite high-quality; the gunpowder burned quickly enough to shoot a bullet out of a barrel at high speeds.
 
  • #10
you've got me wondering now if i can still find it at the apothecary.
 
  • #11
Proton Soup said:
you've got me wondering now if i can still find it at the apothecary.

Yes but there is now a cooling off period for leeches
 
  • #12
mgb_phys said:
Yes but there is now a cooling off period for leeches

good idea. emo is just a phase for most.
 
  • #13
binzing said:
Try a hardware store, look for "Stump Remover".

Note that if you live in a country where such materials are highly controlled and you start purchasing alternatives to get around the requisite permits you could find yourself getting some attention from the authorities and possibly even in legal trouble. You may want to check your local laws and try to find some hobbyists in your area for advice on how to approach this.
 
  • #14
Ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate are on the DHS list of "chemicals of interest". Basically, DHS wants to know who is buying nitrates and how much. Records are kept for some time.
 
  • #15
Ok I guess I'll just use Zinc and Sulfur for my rocket. KNO3 is banned on my country and I don't want to be jailed for that.

I wish I can buy these two components on a store somewhere here.

By the way, what do you mean "relatively low specific impulse". Does the mixture of these component caught fire easily? I wish while hammering it down on a PVC and drilling it will not just explode and cut my cutie littie whole arm. O_O
 
  • #16
  • #17
Now I understand. Thanks Borek.

Anyone here knows where can I buy zinc and sulfur? Is there any products for that like the KNO3 in stump remover, sodium chloride in weed killer and etc.
 
  • #18
what country are you from? Maybe KNO3 is banned for a reason? Making rockets in war regions, for example, is probably not a good idea and I'm not sure people here should be giving you advice how to do it.
 

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