Potassium Nitrate and Zinc Burn Tests

The first mixture is thought to have contained roughly 50:50 KNO3 and Zn. On it's own it failed to ignite aside from a few blue sparkling bits. With the addition of a potassium chlorate/sugar mixture on top, the mixture seemed to ignite at least to a point. There was much residue left over.

The initial burn test suggested the used mixture to be highly oixidzer defficient. This could be due to two factors:

1. Measuring by eye when the components are of different densities
2. Not enough oxidizer, or not a powerful enough oxidizer.

What was left of the original mixture had more potassium nitrate added to it and was mixed. Another attempt was made at igniting the mixture on its own and this failed too. Black powder was poured on top of the unburned mixture and another attempt at ignition was made. The black powder ignited, and in turn ignited the KNO3/Zn mix. The mix then burned quite ferociously with a slightly blue flame. Large amounts of smoke were produced for a considerably small amount of powder. Again, a large amount or residue was left over suggesting an inefficient burn. This was done at night and so was in itself a bit problematic.

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