Lampblack

From PyroGuide

Synonyms: Pine black, oil black, pine soot

Description: Lampblack is obtained by the incomplete burning of pine wood and the resulting very fine powder usually passes 350 mesh. The work with it is known for its extreme dirtyness. Due to its fineness it easily spreads into every mixture, even at small amounts. It might be used as a component of BP and the force of the resulting powder is large. Small amounts of lampblack are included in various compositions to enhance ignitability and effect. Lampblack is one of the main components of flower pots and moreover contributes to the Senko Hanabi effect. Some of the best and longest lasting (japanese quality) golden streamer stars can be manufactured with it. Lampblack is not easily damped and therefore it is advisable to add a small amount of alcohol (reduces surface tension) to make moistening easier. The major defect is its high price.

It must be noted that lampblack adheres to the mesh and consequently can´t be sieved on its own. Nonetheless it passes the mesh well when accompanied by other materials used for the same composition. In this case it spreads quite well into every mixture and therefore small amounts of lampblack are employed in various star compositions for ease of ignition.

Hazards: Do not breathe as it is a suspected carcinogen.

Sources: Pyro suppliers only.