Abstract
This paper describes the investigations related to the development and characterization of various illumination pyrotechnic compositions based on polyurethane binders synthesized from commercial isocyanates and polyols, an oxidizer, two types of metallic powder and a burning catalyst. These types of binders improve the processability and minimize the risk associated with the manufacture process. The performance and safety characteristics of the novel pyrotechnic formulations were evaluated through various analytical techniques (DTA) and specific tests (rate of combustion, heat of combustion, specific volume, chemical stability, sensitivity to impact stimuli), according to NATO standards, providing promising preliminary results for further experimental investigations.