LAS1004 - Lighting up the Skies: The Chemistry of Fireworks

Course Title

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

Semester 2

4 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-Time Evening

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This micro-credential is offered as part of the programme for the Liberal Arts and Sciences and will only be offered subject to a minimum number of applications received. More information can be found on the PLAS website.

This Unit will provide the basic chemistry required to understand the chemistry of pyrotechnic mixtures, namely, states of matter, the mole concept, thermodynamics and energetics, rates of reaction, gas laws, acids and bases, redox reactions and light emission.

It will provide a general introduction to high-energy mixtures, which will include a detailed explanation of the role of the various components that make up high-energy mixtures.

It will also offer an overview of pyrotechnic principles, which will include the requirements needed to prepare well-balanced pyrotechnic compositions and will review dangerous/unstable pyrotechnic compositions. Ignition and propagation in pyrotechnic mixtures will also be discussed.

Main Reading List

Conkling, S. E. (1985) Chemistry of Pyrotechnics: Basic Principles and Theory; Marcel Dekker Inc: New York, NY.
Russell, M. S. (2000) The Chemistry of Fireworks; Royal Society of Chemistry: Cambridge.
Lancaster, R. (1998) Fireworks: Principles and Practices (3rd ed); with contributions from Butler, R.E.A; Lancaster, J.M; Shimizu, T; Smith, T. A. K; Chemical Publishing Co. Inc: New York, NY.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the Unit the student will be able to:

Understand basic chemical principles;
Understand the chemistry involved in high-energy mixtures typically used in pyrotechnics. The student will be able to distinguish the various components of pyrotechnic mixtures and how these interact together to produce high-energy mixtures;
Understand the principles required to achieve burning;
Understand how different chemicals alter the ignition and propagation of pyrotechnic mixtures;
Understand what constitutes a well-balanced pyrotechnic mixture and what renders them unsafe.

Learning Outcomes: Skills

By the end of the Unit the student will be able to:

Write and balance chemical equations;
Work out calculation including redox calculations;
Apply the gas laws and the ideal gas equation;
Build a stoichiometrically balanced high-energy composition;
Identify dangerous compositions.

Non EU Applicants:

EUR180

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Micro-credentials offer the possibility of providing flexible learning pathways to respond to evolving needs and new developments, thus enabling students to tailor their studies to their needs. Micro-credentials may be combined or transferred into larger credentials, such as certificates, diplomas and degrees, provided that the relevant programme requirements are met. Applicants wishing to transfer micro-credentials to a programme of study are encouraged to seek the advice of the relevant academic entity.