Aluminum Atomized Alcoa 120

Description

Aluminum Atomized Alcoa 120 is a popular aluminum for glitter.  Aluminum powder is one of the most often used fuels in pyrotechnics.  A wide range of effects are possible with different types of powder, with differences in particle size, shape, and impurities. The finest powders (e.g., German Dark and XD-30) can be ‘airfloat’ and are commonly used in flash compositions.  Fine aluminum is also used in small percentages in some hobby-rocket fuels. Courser powders are generally used for sparkling effects. With the range of particle sizes with the Aluminum Atomized Alcoa 120, many effects–such as flitter, glitter, firefly and snowball–can be achieved.

Aluminum is a neurotoxin that alters the function of the blood-brain barrier. Additionally, small particles that are airborne act as tiny razors when they come in contact with lung or eye tissue, and a dust mask and goggles should be worn at all times when working with aluminum powder.   Although Aluminum Atomized Alcoa 120 does not contain much dust precautions should be taken.  Mixtures containing nitrates and aluminum powder are prone to heating up spontaneously and may ignite, especially when wet. This is caused by the reduction of the nitrate by aluminum, forming amides. These very basic compounds react further with aluminum powder in a very exothermic reaction that can cause spontaneous ignition. An ammonia smell is often produced in this reaction. Adding 1 to 2% boric acid to compositions containing nitrates and aluminum is common practice and will often prevent spontaneous ignition.

Alcoa 120 specs:

-40-100 mesh 10%-25%
100-200 mesh 15%-30%
200-325 mesh 15%-25%
-325 mesh 28%-34%.