How to make emergency flares using simple chemicals that perform very well.

Quick list of the materials I used:

Orange Flares
[✓] Magnesium Powder (200μm)
[✓] Sodium Carbonate or Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda (Na₂CO₃ / NaHCO₃)
[✓] Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃)
[✓] Powdered Sugar (C₆H₁₂O₆)
[✓] Cardboard Tubes
[✓] Charcoal powder (Optional)
[✓] Visco Fuse
[✓] Tape
[✓] Paper cup

More info:

Through my testing, I came across various interesting compositions. Some more optimized for stars-comps and others for flares. All very unique in their own ways. I'll list my favorite 4 compositions below:

1. This is one of the best performing compositions for flares/road flares. It's one of the longest burning compositions per gram. As a downside, it doesn't produce as much light as number 4. and 3. Another pro is the easy ignition.
35% Magnesium Powder (200μm)
25% Sodium Carbonate Na₂CO₃
25% Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃)
15% Powdered Sugar (C₆H₁₂O₆)

2. Performs much like number 1 in terms of burn-time, ignition, and light. It's difficult to tell the difference, but I'd say it produces *slightly* more light.
43% Magnesium Powder (200μm)
29% Sodium Carbonate Na₂CO₃
16% Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃)
12% Powdered Sugar (C₆H₁₂O₆)

3. This probably produces the most "light per gram per second", if that makes any sense. So a very balanced composition that shines significantly brighter than number 1. and 2., though that's at the cost of the total burn-time. About 3-4 seconds faster burn than number 1. and 2., in other words, 7 seconds per gram over the 10-12 seconds per gram. Again it ignites without problems. I'd have included this in the video if I had realized it earlier.
40% Magnesium Powder (200μm)
30% Sodium Carbonate Na₂CO₃
20% Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃)
10% Powdered Sugar (C₆H₁₂O₆)

4. I have a feeling that this recipe will do great in stars. It burns rapidly and produces a ton of light, however not so much orange - it came closer to yellow. Additionally, it's easy to ignite. This would work great as a preburner too.
50% Magnesium Powder (200μm)
30% Sodium Carbonate Na₂CO₃
20% Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃)

WARNING:

Although the project video shows step-by-step how to build the flares, I would caution anyone wanting to make one to take precautions. These are not toys. They can light things on fire, which could cause serious injury.

#PyroTronix

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