Copper(I) Bromide: An Alternative Emitter for Blue-Colored Flame Pyrotechnics

Copper(I) bromide was evaluated as an alternative emitter for blue flame pyrotechnic compositions. CuBr and CuCl emission spectra were recorded from a butane torch flame and compared. Cu(BrO3)2 was synthesized and used in pyrotechnic compositions as an oxidizer and the source for the generation of CuBr species. Pyrotechnic compositions, which contained copper and potassium bromates as oxidizers, were optimized for the generation of blue flames. The experimental data, including emission spectra of the flames, chromaticity coordinates, burning rates, luminous intensities, and sensitivity tests, were analyzed and compared. Up in flames: Copper halogen species were prepared for use as emitters for blue flame pyrotechnic compositions. These compositions, which contained copper and potassium bromates as oxidizers, were optimized for the generation of blue flames.