[BProckets] Cerimac grinding media

[Dave Stoddard]

Alumina is ceramic media.  There was substantial discussion
on whether or not ceramic media creates sparks on the PML
list two years ago.  The general concensus was that ceramic
media does not create sparks, that the light output created
by alumina ceramic media is not due to spark emission.  You
may want to search the PML archives and look for "ceramic".
I am not an expert here, but several serious chemists were
adamant that alumina ceramic media is safe to mill pyrotechnic
compositions.  Many ball mill explosions are the result of
impurities (sand and debris) that may have been introduced
while making charcoal or other ingredients.  Stay Green,

Dave

On 22 Sep 2004 at 12:23, Bill McAlister wrote:
> Ok i went and looked at the media i bought(first time since i bought it) and it apears 
> its not ceramic.
> 
> The invoice reads 90% Alumina Grinding media 25mmx25mm
> 
> I have to admit my ignorance in this but what is Alumina and is it safe to grind with? 
> I bought this off of a fellow pyro whom is a very knolagable rocketeer. It has the feel 
> of ceramic but must not be.
> 
> fitzskis at fuse.net wrote:
>         Bill, I'd recommend Lloyd Sponenberg's ball milling book as far as loading specs for a 
>         mill. Basically, fill half the jar with media and add enough comp to fill the voids in 
>         the media after it's been running for a while. As for ceramic media....there are 
>         varying opinions of same....I use all lead. If you're a member of the PML, go to the 
>         archives and look up making BP, under my name, with pyro baseball in the search. You'll 
>         find an article on tests I did with homemade BP. Basically, well milled 75/15/10, 
>         granulated with denatured alcohol to about 2FA makes very servicable BP. Good luck, Ned
>         > 
>         > From: Bill McAlister 
>         > Date: 2004/09/22 Wed PM 12:25:03 GMT
>         > To: Black Powder rockets discussion list 
>         > Subject: Re: [BProckets]
>         > 
>         > Im just getting started in makeing rockets. I would! like to make my BP insted of buy 
>         it. Is this realy feesable time and money wise? I have an exelent ball mill and ceramic 
>         media. the ball mill is about 1 gal capasity. How much would you recomend makeing for a 
>         first time batch. ..I plan on makeing 4lbs rockets
>         > 
>         > Any sugestions or first time traps to avoid? 
>         
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