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Lead(II) Thiocyanate: Homemade Matches - Part 4, 5 Chemist |
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Lead(II) Thiocyanate and Potassium Chlorate: Homemade Matches - Part 4
I still had some of the lead(II) thiocyanate and potassium chlorate mixture left, so it was time to make some homemade matches. I combined the mixture with varnish (a solution of smokeless powder in acetone). Then, I removed the heads from three matches, replaced them with the prepared mixture, and let it dry for two hours.
Тиоцианат свинца(II) и хлорат калия: самодельные спички - часть 4 I fixed the matchbox and struck the first match on its side surface. The match immediately flared up with a bright white flame. Smoke formed, and hot particles of the mixture scattered, but the matchstick itself did not catch fire. In factory production, the ends of matchsticks are first dipped in molten paraffin before the incendiary composition (match head) is applied. This ensures the matchstick ignites before the match head burns out. The second match also ignited instantly: first the match head, then the stick. The same occurred with the third match. Afterward, a gray coating rich in lead formed on the matchbox and my fingers. Since lead compounds are toxic, such matches are unsuitable for general use. They are better suited for purposes like lecture demonstrations. After the experiment, I realized that using an aqueous solution of gelatin or starch as a binder would have been better than using nitrocellulose varnish. |
![]() Lead(II) Thiocyanate and Potassium Chlorate: Homemade Matches |
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Lead(II) Thiocyanate and Potassium Chlorate: Shock Sensitivity of the Mixture - Part 5
The homemade matches have been prepared, fulfilling the purpose of the experiments with the mixture of lead(II) thiocyanate and potassium chlorate. However, several questions remain unanswered. For example, how sensitive is this mixture to friction and impact? My curiosity drove me to continue experimenting.
Тиоцианат свинца(II) и хлорат калия: чувствительность смеси к ударам - часть 5 I placed the remnants of the mixture on an iron anvil and began rubbing it vigorously with a metal spatula while applying strong pressure. I expected a flash, but nothing happened. Next, I struck the mixture with a hammer - still, no explosion or flash occurred. The laboratory was cold (4°C) and humid, which might have reduced the sensitivity of the mixture due to the high humidity. To investigate further, I prepared a fresh batch of the mixture using 0.1 g of lead(II) thiocyanate and 0.1 g of potassium chlorate. I dried it in a thermostat at 50°C for 1 hour. After drying, I wrapped the mixture in aluminum foil and placed it on the anvil. When I struck it with a hammer, there was a loud explosion accompanied by a flash and the formation of white smoke. I had to retreat quickly to avoid inhaling the aerosolized lead compounds. From prior experiments with highly mechanically sensitive compounds (e.g., acetone peroxide), I noticed that explosions often occurred after the first strike but not always, sometimes requiring several blows instead. Therefore, the mixture of lead(II) thiocyanate and potassium chlorate exhibited high sensitivity to impact. Additionally, it is extremely sensitive to fire. Therefore, this mixture demands careful handling and strict adherence to safety rules. |
![]() Lead(II) Thiocyanate and Potassium Chlorate: Shock Sensitivity of the Mixture |
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