Getting Amazing Colors From Your Smoke Bomb

What Are Smoke Bombs?

These are pyrotechnic gadgets which are comparatively safer than the usual fireworks. The explosive used for this type of firework is specially formulated in order to produce the minimum of flames and plenty of smoke.

The chemicals used in these devices are normally the least explosive ones on account of the fact that the devices are meant to diffuse smoke. Specifically, the oxidant regularly used is potassium nitrate (KNO3). This substance is normally present in our food in very small quantities. If ingested in appreciable amounts, it can cause skin inflammation and itching. Otherwise, the chemical is not harmful.

The fuel used for smoke bombs is plain table sugar. Additionally, some sodium bicarbonate is included in the mixture to stabilize and moderate the combustion process so that there is enough time to produce smoke.

The typical smoke is white in color

The natural color of a KNO3 and sugar bomb is white. This color comes from the water vapors and the potassium carbonate which are produced by the combustion process. However, by the addition of organic dyes, the smoke emitted can be different shades of blues, reds, oranges, yellows, purples or any combination of these.

Very important warning!

Before attempting to concoct your own potassium nitrate (KNO3) smoke bomb you need to be absolutely and really sure of one thing...

...that what you have is really KNO3!

There is another compound of potassium that is used for commercial grade smoke bombs. The compound is known as potassium chlorate and is not safe to handle in the presence of acids or heat. In fact, the entire group of chlorate compounds is extremely flammable and sensitive to friction and sudden pressure.  In sufficient amounts, they explode even if not in a container.

Making a home-made KNO3 mixture on a skillet

There are two ways you can prepare the Potassium nitrate-sugar smoke bomb. Either you cook heat them on a skillet until the sugar is caramelized or you mix them well in water and dry out the solution. We talk about the first method here.

Mix the nitrate, the sugar and the sodium bicarbonate in a ratio of 58:37:5. With that proportion, your smoke bomb will be easy to ignite but won't burn too fast. The more nitrate you have, the faster it burns and vice versa.

Place the mixture on a skillet and apply low heat. Use a metal spoon to stir the mixture. Apply slow and long strokes to it. Lower the heat when you see the sugar starting to melt along the edges. Continue stirring until the mixture is all liquid.

Remove from the heat and pour out into an aluminum foil strip. Allow the bomb to cool and harden in the foil.

To use your smoke fireworks remove it from the foil. You need to place the bomb in an open space and preferably on a fire-proof surface. To set it off you only need to light it with a long-arm lighter. The flame is purple but the smoke will be white.

Naturally, you shouldn't prepare your bomb long before you intend to use it. Storing these things is not safe.

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Jameson Daniels is a writer for skylighter.com check out his smoke bomb or his sky lanterns.