Talk:Black Powder (Pulverone)
From PyroGuide
2 questions: can different binders such as PVC and Parlon be used in replacement of dextrin so that 100% acetone can be used? when I do this process I allways get meal powder in my end product, why? I use a kitchen screen and my paste is allways the right consistancy; why does this happen, how can I fix it and any other advice is welcome. - Pyrogeek
Some pyros use about 5% red gum in order to bind with alcohol solely. This works but may give softer grains. You say your riced BP is crumbly and always desintegrates to fine powder? That shouldn´t happen if dextrin is used with enough water to activate it (you are always left with some percent meal in the end product, some also crumbles during handling - but most should remain granules). Make sure you press it into a solid ball by hand before rubbing it through the screen. I´m usually pressing my BP with a hydraulic press, so I´m no specialist when it comes to pulverone. --AdmiralDonSnider 02:31, 10 July 2010 (EST)
I can add some insights I believe. I'm somewhat of a pulverone fanatic. PVC or parlon would be very acceptable binders. However I will caution the use of acetone has it's pros and cons, which are wrapped up entirely in one attribute: it's screaming fast evaporation rate. Dry time is next to nothing using acetone. But if you're making a large quantity of bp your dough will develop a crust, and your gloves will crust too. In any case, alcohol or acetone to dissolve whatever binder you choose; always always mix it with water. I'm a fan of red gum lately, but dextrin has been very good to me in past batches of bp. In either case the standard 3:1 water alcohol wetting solution is used. Lastly, I like to use a bit of a larger screen (8 mesh) and apply varying levels of force, speed, and angle as I granulate the loaf. This yields large and small granules which I later sift and sort through refining screens to grade the mixture. This is good for grade variety production. Or if you're only after a smaller grade then of course use a small screen only, and be very consistent in your technique. I'll add an article about granulating technique soon. I also HIGHLY recommend Ned Gorskis article on the issue as well.
http://www.skylighter.com/fireworks/how-to-make/high-powered-black-powder.asp
Read this over and over. You'll continue to learn from it as you go. --zeroberts
