THERMALITE
COMMENTS: "Thermalite" is a generic term referring to a specific kind of fuse that burns very hot because it contains nichrome wire. It is useful for initiating hard to ignite compositions.
DRY MIXTURE FORMULA
Begin by gently but intimately mixing these chemicals together. The chemicals must be as fine as possible.
PREPARATION (parts by weight):
| CHEMICAL | PERCENT/PARTS | AMOUNT |
| Potassium perchlorate | 0.370 | |
| Potassium chlorate | 0.300 | |
| Charcoal (air float) | 0.100 | |
| Magnesium (coated w/linseed oil, 200-325 mesh) | 0.150 | |
| Red iron oxide (ferric) | 0.050 | |
| Aluminum (325 mesh, flake) | 0.030 | |
| Sodium bicarbonate | +0.010 | |
Total | ||
BINDER FORUMLA
PREPARATION (parts by weight):
| CHEMICAL | PERCENT/PARTS | AMOUNT |
| Vinyl resin | 0.470 | |
| Nitrocellulose lacquer (10%) | 0.250 | |
| Dibutyl phthalate (plasticizer) | 0.100 | |
| Acetone | 0.180 | |
Total | ||
- Cut 19-inch lengths of 26-gauge copper wire and rough them up with sandpaper.
- In a 5-ounce paper cup, stir together 25 grams of dry mixture and 17 grams of binder.
- Poke a small hole in the bottom of the cup and run the lengths of wire up through the hole, through the mixture, to coat the wire.
- Hang to dry; repeat dipping and drying until desired thickness is obtained (1/8" - 3/16", usually).
- You will have to slightly enlarge the hole between coats. If the mixture becomes too thick, you can stir in a few drops of acetone.
