A sparkler is a type of hand-held firework that burns slowly while emitting colored flames, sparks, or other effects.

The "classic" type of sparkler consists of a thin metal rod approximately 30 cm (one foot) long that has been dipped in a thick batter of pyrotechnic composition and allowed to dry. This composition is rich in a metallic fuel such as aluminum or iron, which when burned creates silver or gold colored sparks, respectively. The fuel contains an oxidizer, typically barium nitrate or potassium nitrate or sometimes potassium chlorate, sometimes with sulphur and carbon. To create the sparkling effect, a metal in powdered form is added, such as aluminium, magnesium, iron or titanium

A more modern type of sparkler, known as the Morning Glory, consists of a long, thin paper tube filled with composition and attached to a wooden rod using brightly-colored tissue paper and ribbon. Several different compositions can be packed into a single tube, resulting in a sparkler that changes color.

[edit] Materials

Composition Various sparkler compositions can be found at

The following compounds are used to manufacture Diamond Gold Sparklers • Aluminum Al- 8%

The most commonly used metal powder fuel to create flash powder and silvery-white sparkling effects in sparklers, gerbs, fountains, waterfalls, etc.

• Iron Filings Fe- 34% The metal filings are one of the oldest sources for "color" in fireworks. Usually linseed oil is mixed with it to coat it and protect it because the filings rust so quickly.

• Barium Nitrate Ba(NO3)2 - 45% A poor green effect as a coloring agent by itself. Boric acid often used with compositions with Al. Sometimes used in flash compositions.

• Dextrin (C6H10O5)n - 11% The most regularly used binder for compositions. Cheap, easy to use and work with, water soluble and holds most formulas together well after drying.

• Boric Acid H3BO3 - 2% This mild acid is used primarily in some compositions containing aluminum to reduce sensitivity.

The above compounds are mixed with water - H20

Stick Straight metal wire or bamboo skewers.

Other

[edit] Sparkler Construction

Using the diaper method, mix everything except the binder and stick until it is well mixed. Add water mixed with 25% ethanol to make a slurry. Now dip your stick into the composition and allow to dry several times, until the sparkler is thick enough.