Chrysanthemum 8

From PyroGuide

Chrysanthemum 8 is a composition which was designed by Takeo Shimizu. The 8 in that name comes from the ratio of charcoal to potassium nitrate, which is 8:10. A reddish fire dust is obtained, which is relatively short lived. When willow charcoal is used instead of pine, long lived fire dust is obtained. To obtain the fire dust, the potassium nitrate must be soaked into the charcoal. Hence a wet process must be used for mixing.

Tutorial

Composition

Potassium nitrate	49
Charcoal (Pine airfloat)	40
Sulfur	6
SGRS or Dextrin	+5

Method
Grind all chemicals as fine as possible in a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder until it is a very fine powder (like talcum powder). Screen the chemicals together by passing the mixture several times through a mesh screen. Place the chemicals into a ball mill with non-sparking ceramic or lead balls. It should be milled for at least 3-4 hours.

The chrysanthemum mix can now be rolled, pumped, pressed etc. When preparing the stars, use a solution of about 75% water and 25% isopropyl alcohol (do not add any more than 25% alcohol). The alcohol makes the water wetter by breaking down the surface tension of the composition and allows the water to be absorbed easier. The drying time of a composition is also reduced as alcohol evaporates faster than water.

Summary
This mix burns well and reasonably fast, but not as fast as Chrysanthemum 6 - Charcoal star. Pine charcoal is used to obtain a more attractive spark.