The World's First non-Flammable Fireworks (a novel way to make Senko Hanabi Sparklers)

Below are links to some of the resources mentioned in this video:

Dr. Van Der Sypt's papers on Senko Hanabi (pdf download links):

Mark Anticole's YouTube channel which includes excellent videos on Senko Hanabi:

Senko Hanabi seminar link (currently accessible to WPA members only):

The title of this video makes quite a claim that I'm certain will be disputed in the comments from a perfectly literal perspective, however, flammable materials is an official classification typically reserved for things that are more flammable than ordinary objects like paper and wood. For that reason, I think calling these sparklers non-flammable is an accurate descriptor for practical purposes. Certainly they are the least flammable fireworks in the world, and the only fireworks that do not contain an oxidizing or explosive ingredient. The use of potassium bicarbonate (and sodium bicarbonate) as the primary mass of a firework composition is completely novel, and makes these very safe both to make and store compared to other fireworks.

This video was supported by all of my Patreon backers, for which I am extremely grateful. A special thanks to my top Patrons: Dan L, Eugene Pakhomov, Jon Hartmann

Thanks for watching!
-Ben

[Nighthawkinlight]

I'm very excited about this video. A firework that involves no explosive components means it can be made safely in almost any circumstance. A tiny variation in the powder mixture can produce dramatically different results, making these fireworks incredibly fun to experiment with.


More info about how the firework powder can be non flammable and also work for these sparklers: In order to begin reacting with air the powder needs to undergo a phase change from solid to liquid. Changing phase requires a lot of energy, and once the phase change occurs the resultant reaction only produces enough heat to keep a small drop of the powder molten. The energy the smoldering reaction produces compared to the energy required to melt more powder is way out of balance. Each grain of fresh powder that contacts the drop is like an ice cube, cooling the molten drop down faster than it can warm up. In that way the reaction cannot propagate through a pile of powder. If you manually heat a large pile with a torch until the whole thing melts (which I have done) it still will not sustain a reaction when the heat is removed, because a large volume of the powder does not have enough surface area to react with air compared to its mass. The molten puddle radiates energy away faster than it reacts to release new energy, so it cools off. Last, the bicarbonate releases CO2 when heated before changing phase. This reaction sucks up energy (cooling nearby flames), and displaces oxygen in the atmosphere which smothers fire near it.

So, how then does the sparkler still work? Using the flame of a lighter we can brute force a small amount of the powder to make a phase change by feeding more and more energy in until all the barriers are overcome. The small drop has high surface area compared to its mass, so without other powder to cool it off and in a fully molten state it can generate just enough energy through reaction with air to stay molten and produce the senko hanabi effect.

Pretty neat.

[exotime]

You sir are a natural presenter, up there with the best of them. Pleasure to watch.

[wrightcubbins]

It still does not beat the sparkle in your eyes when making these videos!




Love your content, it is a nice break from day-to-day life.

[NurdRage]

Dude, that is AWESOME! Exceptional detail. Love it :)

[LabCoatz_Science]

That's very impressive, loved this video! Makes me wonder if other metal bicarbonates would result in different colors (like lithium bicarbonate for a vivid red), or if other chemicals can be added to change the colors/spark formations. Also makes me curious about how big these can be scaled up...I might have to try making a big one on my own channel to see if it's possible! Keep it up man, can't wait for more!

[A.Mere.Creator]

Thank you for the consistently informative videos about interesting subjects

[Pottyde]

You gave away the recipes because you value more the sharing of a passion than profit. You are a beautiful person.

[RedGarner]

My 9-year-old son says, "This is really cool!!!" 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

I say, "Thanks so much for creating amazing, uplifting, and engaging content that encourages us to go and apply what you taught us in projects of our own."

[BradenCarlsonAutos]

I got a big pack of these with an order from a Cannonfuse nearly a decade ago and never knew how to use the things until your last Senko Hanabi video.

I love seeing fireworks videos on this channel! A real throwback!

[RobertLBarnard]

I was just remembering Claude Shannon and his guiltless confession, "I've spent much time on useless things" (or something to that effect).

Nonflammable gunpowder would seem to be useless, so too "sparklers". But together, they are mesmerizing.

Thank you for sharing.

[crescentwind]

You've gotten so so much better at making these fireworks from when you started trying them in the previous videos. Their sparks are wonderful! I'm sure the master in Japan who taught you about this art must be very proud.

[electronicsNmore]

They really are cool. Great job on the video as always!

[PlasmaChannel]

When you first dipped the sparkler into the pile, my anxiety spiked so high you’d think it was ME dipping it in gunpowder. Interesting video! Nihonwa kire desu ne?

[KhurshidKarimi]

Your way of presentation itself is a model of learning.
No pressured speech, precise but not very, and relevant material totally free of superfluousness.
Then that expression of self confidence that does not need self glory ….rather suggesting the viewer to save their praises as well.

[onebackzach]

Another great video as always. I've been watching your videos for the past 8 or 9 years, and have built several of the projects in your videos. I think it was a great experience for 13 year old me to make mini dart guns, soup can forges, penny stoves, etc. since it taught me so much about working with my hands. I think that all of the skills I learned from following youtube channel tutorials really shortened the learning curve for the various DIY projects I undertake, and the various pieces of furniture, shop tools/jigs, and repairs I make are all better because of it.

[mistermagpie]

Thank you for coming up with safer, more accessible versions and sharing this with us! This is awesome! Really looking forward to making these now!

[bruceluiz]

This is one of the channels that makes me wish Im able to afford a home with a garage someday and become a maker. Wonderfully informative as always.

[gutsngorrrr]

Thanks for doing this series on Senko Hanabi, they are such a beautiful and delicate firework and I've always wanted to know how to make one that works

[William_Asston]

that close up of the senko hanabi sounds absolutely amazing. the sparkles are tickling to listen to. A whole sparkler going through would be a great audio experience.

[SpynnDizzy]

Suggestion: A smoother form of carbon can be made using wine corks rather than pine in your charcoaling process. Hope this helps with your experiments.