INTRODUCTION Both Hexamethylenetetramine (Hexamine) and Phenolic Resin are common compounds in pyrotechnic mixtures. Hexamine has long been used as a cooking fuel for camp stoves, and Phenolic Resin is currently a very popular fuel for fireworks star compositions. However, in this study we will look at their use as a binder, where their contributions as an oxidizer and fuel are somewhat negligible. In general industry, Novolac type resins like those used today in fireworks are mixed with hexamine to bind such items as brake linings, abrasive grinding wheels, and other composite materials where a very strong bond is required. Under pressure, and with the addition of heat, the binder flows through the particles of the substrate and creates an exceptional bond. The Phenolic Resin and the hexamine form complex, three dimensional molecular chains and that are cured by heating. These techniques can be directly applied to the pressing of fireworks compositions. The author was first made aware of this potential by Tom Schroeder, an industrial chemist in the United States. In the literature, Shidlovskiy mentions a Novolac resin known as Iditol, in his Third edition of Principles Of Pyrotechnics, published in 1964. Over the course of several years and many tests of various processes, I am presenting a system that shows great potential for quickly binding many types of pyrotechnic compositions. It is hoped that this information will be a starting point for further experimentation by ISF attendees and their staff. APPROACH / METHODS In the practical manufacture of pressed items like stars or comets it is beneficial to introduce a liquid solvent of the binder to the composition being pressed. The solvent activates the binder which keeps the pressed stars together until they dry. Even though Shidlovskiy (1) mentions that alcohol is a solvent for Novolac resins, several other solvents were examined out of curiousity. Acetone, Ethylene Glycol, Isopropyl Alcohol, and automotive Brake Fluid were tested. Varying percentages of the binder were blended with a white glitter formula and fired from a mortar and observed. The degree of fragmentation to the samples was recorded in the chart below:
INTRODUCTION Both Hexamethylenetetramine (Hexamine) and Phenolic Resin are common compounds in pyrotechnic mixtures. Hexamine has long been used as a cooking fuel for camp stoves, and Phenolic Resin is currently a very popular fuel for fireworks star compositions. However, in this study we will look at their use as a binder, where their contributions as an oxidizer and fuel are somewhat negligible. In general industry, Novolac type resins like those used today in fireworks are mixed with hexamine to bind such items as brake linings, abrasive grinding wheels, and other composite materials where a very strong bond is required. Under pressure, and with the addition of heat, the binder flows through the particles of the substrate and creates an exceptional bond. The Phenolic Resin and the hexamine form complex, three dimensional molecular chains and that are cured by heating. These techniques can be directly applied to the pressing of fireworks compositions. The author was first made aware of this potential by Tom Schroeder, an industrial chemist in the United States. In the literature, Shidlovskiy mentions a Novolac resin known as Iditol, in his Third edition of Principles Of Pyrotechnics, published in 1964. Over the course of several years and many tests of various processes, I am presenting a system that shows great potential for quickly binding many types of pyrotechnic compositions. It is hoped that this information will be a starting point for further experimentation by ISF attendees and their staff. APPROACH / METHODS In the practical manufacture of pressed items like stars or comets it is beneficial to introduce a liquid solvent of the binder to the composition being pressed. The solvent activates the binder which keeps the pressed stars together until they dry. Even though Shidlovskiy (1) mentions that alcohol is a solvent for Novolac resins, several other solvents were examined out of curiousity. Acetone, Ethylene Glycol, Isopropyl Alcohol, and automotive Brake Fluid were tested. Varying percentages of the binder were blended with a white glitter formula and fired from a mortar and observed. The degree of fragmentation to the samples was recorded in the chart below: