Troubleshooting My Homemade Smoke Bombs

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the troubleshooting of homemade smoke bombs using potassium nitrate (KNO3), sugar, and baking soda. The user experienced issues with drying times and mixture consistency across two batches. The first batch, which included baking soda, produced satisfactory smoke but took four days to dry. In contrast, the second batch, made with synthesized potassium nitrate and without baking soda, failed to congeal properly and ignited unexpectedly. The user seeks advice on the inconsistencies encountered during the smoke bomb preparation process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of chemical reactions involving potassium nitrate and sugar
  • Knowledge of drying techniques for chemical compounds
  • Familiarity with pyrotechnic safety and handling
  • Basic skills in synthesizing potassium nitrate from ammonium nitrate and potassium chloride
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the optimal drying methods for potassium nitrate to ensure purity
  • Learn about the role of baking soda in smoke bomb formulations
  • Investigate the chemistry behind smoke production in pyrotechnics
  • Explore safety protocols for handling and igniting homemade pyrotechnic devices
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for hobbyists in pyrotechnics, chemistry enthusiasts experimenting with smoke bomb formulations, and individuals interested in safe practices for creating homemade smoke devices.

Neptune2235
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Hi,

Recently, I made a batch of smoke bombs using potassium nitrate, sugar, and baking soda (to regulate reaction speed). My first batch took about four days to dry which seemed odd, however, they produced a fair amount of smoke. For my second batch, I decided to put the potassium nitrate I synthesized from ammonium nitrate and potassium chloride (not the purest form of potassium nitrate, but it's all I had :/) into the oven on low heat to completely dry it out. After about ten-fifteen minutes the KNO3 was dry and I mixed it together with sugar (omitting the baking soda this time), however, the mixture never fully congealed. When ignited, the semi-congealed mass produced a fairly large amount of smoke and then caught fire. Can anyone tell me what I did wrong?
 
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