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MercTech -> RE: Fire Play (11/27/2007 10:29:24 PM)
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70% by volume Isopropyl Alchohol is topical rubbing alchohol and found at the drug store.
75%-90% Methyl Alchohol (methanol, wood alchohol) is used for laquer thinner and found at the hardware store.
95% (190 proof) Ethyl Alchohol is found at the liquor store. One brand is "Everclear".
95% Ethanol Flashpoint is 17degrees C
70% Isopropanol Flashpoint is 12 degrees C
90% Methanol Flashpoint is 11 degrees C
Now, the flashpoint of acetone is -18 degrees C
The Flash Point of a chemical is the lowest temperature at which a flame will propagate through the vapour of a combustible material to the liquid surface. Put more simply, it is the minimum temperature at which the liquid produces a sufficient concentration of vapour above it that it forms an ignitable mixture with air.
I would think for fire play, attention should be paid to the temperature of the flammable liquid used. The higher the temperature, the faster the vapor is realeased and the greater the fuel/air mixture. The higher the fuel/air mixture the hotter it will burn.
In practical application using 70% Isopropanol (rubbing alchohol)
If heated before use, you get a huge whoosh of flame that scorches hair.
If room temperature, you get a flame that gets to the boiling point in a minute or so and can cause blisters in a couple of minutes.
Chilled, the flame propagates slowly and the temperature stays tolerable longer.
(Yep, old science fair projects can have some uses)
Old magicians trick is to put chilled petrolatum on the palm and use chilled alchohol. Pour a little puddle in the hand and you can carry a flame around for several minutes. (Warning, trying this at home can lead to burned palms and flinging burning liquid until you get the hang of it.)
Now on to nitrocellulose...
Thinking pyro thoughts tonight,
Stefan
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