The World's First non-Flammable Fireworks (a novel way to make Senko Hanabi Sparklers) 

I'm very excited about this video. A firework that involves no explosive components means it can be made safely in almost any circumstance. A tiny variation in the powder mixture can produce dramatically different results, making these fireworks incredibly fun to experiment with. Check out my new Senko Hanabi playlist that documents the videos I've made about them over the years: ru-vid.com/group/PL1a2HkcVbmAVW5LBBThCdHPD3BKDd03Tj More info about how the firework powder can be non flammable and also work for these sparklers: In order to begin reacting with air the powder needs to undergo a phase change from solid to liquid. Changing phase requires a lot of energy, and once the phase change occurs the resultant reaction only produces enough heat to keep a small drop of the powder molten. The energy the smoldering reaction produces compared to the energy required to melt more powder is way out of balance. Each grain of fresh powder that contacts the drop is like an ice cube, cooling the molten drop down faster than it can warm up. In that way the reaction cannot propagate through a pile of powder. If you manually heat a large pile with a torch until the whole thing melts (which I have done) it still will not sustain a reaction when the heat is removed, because a large volume of the powder does not have enough surface area to react with air compared to its mass. The molten puddle radiates energy away faster than it reacts to release new energy, so it cools off. Last, the bicarbonate releases CO2 when heated before changing phase. This reaction sucks up energy (cooling nearby flames), and displaces oxygen in the atmosphere which smothers fire near it. So, how then does the sparkler still work? Using the flame of a lighter we can brute force a small amount of the powder to make a phase change by feeding more and more energy in until all the barriers are overcome. The small drop has high surface area compared to its mass, so without other powder to cool it off and in a fully molten state it can generate just enough energy through reaction with air to stay molten and produce the senko hanabi effect. Pretty neat.

You sir are a natural presenter, up there with the best of them. Pleasure to watch.

It still does not beat the sparkle in your eyes when making these videos! Love your content, it is a nice break from day-to-day life.

Dude, that is AWESOME! Exceptional detail. Love it :)

You gave away the recipes because you value more the sharing of a passion than profit. You are a beautiful person.

That's very impressive, loved this video! Makes me wonder if other metal bicarbonates would result in different colors (like lithium bicarbonate for a vivid red), or if other chemicals can be added to change the colors/spark formations. Also makes me curious about how big these can be scaled up...I might have to try making a big one on my own channel to see if it's possible! Keep it up man, can't wait for more!

My 9-year-old son says, "This is really cool!!!" 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊 I say, "Thanks so much for creating amazing, uplifting, and engaging content that encourages us to go and apply what you taught us in projects of our own."

Thank you for the consistently informative videos about interesting subjects

I was just remembering Claude Shannon and his guiltless confession, "I've spent much time on useless things" (or something to that effect). Nonflammable gunpowder would seem to be useless, so too "sparklers". But together, they are mesmerizing. Thank you for sharing.

i like how he always sits in the black void

I got a big pack of these with an order from a Cannonfuse nearly a decade ago and never knew how to use the things until your last Senko Hanabi video. I love seeing fireworks videos on this channel! A real throwback!

You've gotten so so much better at making these fireworks from when you started trying them in the previous videos. Their sparks are wonderful! I'm sure the master in Japan who taught you about this art must be very proud.

Suggestion: A smoother form of carbon can be made using wine corks rather than pine in your charcoaling process. Hope this helps with your experiments.

Try drying the sodium version in a desiccator first, that’s the primary reason potassium salts are preferred in fireworks because sodium salts tend to be far more hygroscopic, and hence have to fight the extra latent heat of vaporisation, taking energy out of the reaction. That being said, when you do get them dry, they have lower specific heats so end up taking less and being a far better option. To the point that sodium based flash powders can be significantly more dangerous than potassium.

This is one of the channels that makes me wish Im able to afford a home with a garage someday and become a maker. Wonderfully informative as always.

They really are cool. Great job on the video as always!

that close up of the senko hanabi sounds absolutely amazing. the sparkles are tickling to listen to. A whole sparkler going through would be a great audio experience.

Is crazy how much does senator Ted Cruz know about science

so this is actually really great for me, because i've always had an interest in fireworks (especially the ones like sparklers, that *don't* traumatise my cats while destroying 3 blocks of residential area and 100 drunk people's hands), but just buying them feels lame and making them myself with contents considered "explosive" is the kinda illegal that gets you _at least_ 3 years in prison around here. this mixture however is what the law would call "a pile of boring slow-burning stuff" (super legal term, i promise) and perfectly fine for anyone to make where i live, so i'll definitely try that some time :)

Another great video as always. I've been watching your videos for the past 8 or 9 years, and have built several of the projects in your videos. I think it was a great experience for 13 year old me to make mini dart guns, soup can forges, penny stoves, etc. since it taught me so much about working with my hands. I think that all of the skills I learned from following youtube channel tutorials really shortened the learning curve for the various DIY projects I undertake, and the various pieces of furniture, shop tools/jigs, and repairs I make are all better because of it.

Thanks for doing this series on Senko Hanabi, they are such a beautiful and delicate firework and I've always wanted to know how to make one that works

Thank you for coming up with safer, more accessible versions and sharing this with us! This is awesome! Really looking forward to making these now!

I've been subscribed since the beginning of high school, I'm now graduated from college. Your video's are all so thoughtful an ingenuitive. They just keep getting better and better!

Wow, you have become truly the expert of these. I've been following you for at least 15 years now because of your pyro. This is my fav. topic you cover. LOVE these things. 😉

As a long time subscriber, I'm so excited to see your progression in knowledge of (and sharing of that knowledge!!!) the Senko Hanabi fireworks. Also, I love your bird 🥰

The first video I ever watched of yours was the Full Auto airsoft minigun video about 10 years ago, I was a child then and your videos inspired me to be constructive and creative. I never thought id still be watching and enjoying your videos to this day, You truly are one of my most beloved youtubers and I greatly appreciate that you're still producing AMAZING content. Merry Christmas! and have a wonderful new year!

I really love your dedication to projects. It's not a one and done with you to make content. You're actually interested and want to know more and experiment with the concepts

When a guy who loves both intumescent materials and fireworks messes around, well I guess this is what happens. Love it.

I love your videos, we can all see the childlike joy you experience while making these videos, It always cheers me up, and I learn a lot too, keep making video's , have a great Christmas and new year !!

Could you make a super long one with multiple stages? So have multiple powder pockets that are ignited by the 3rd stage and so repeat may times? And what happens if you use more or less powder? Or if you put a miniscule coating of powder along the paper (like a dusting), would it sustain the 1st or 2nd stage longer? I'd love to see a video discussing all the possible variations, you've got me absolutely hooked and I am fascinated with these now

Your enthusiasm is contagious! It's genuine delight and deep curiosity.

Glad to see you've posted a video - it has been a while. Your videos are always very interesting and informative. Hope you're keeping well.

Green visco fuse will sometimes form red-hot molten droplets when it burns. Every once and a while, theses blobs would throw weak Senko Hanabi stype sparks! I tired putting different chemicals on the fuses, trying to improve the appearance. Borax seemed to help a little, nitrates made the effect vanish. Note: these droplets form after the fuse-core has burned, sometimes delayed by a few seconds after the core of the fuse has finished burning. Not very reproducible.

Absolutely fascinating! on an aside, love the calm video presentation.

I am delighted to see your long term dedication and contributions to this beautiful art form. Bravo. You have inspired me to attempt a few batches. I am always making charcoal or smelting things anyway so have a little skill. These look more exciting than typical sparklers.

Your way of presentation itself is a model of learning. No pressured speech, precise but not very, and relevant material totally free of superfluousness. Then that expression of self confidence that does not need self glory ….rather suggesting the viewer to save their praises as well.

So great, I really love these small pyro effects. The close ups are very interesting it would be great if some one could film in ultra slow motion and hi res, very close up the formation of the sparks.

When you first dipped the sparkler into the pile, my anxiety spiked so high you’d think it was ME dipping it in gunpowder. Interesting video! Nihonwa kire desu ne?

Massive respect for how much dedication you put into things. Extremely good explanations of the concepts, ideas, etc.

I love how you explain things. Thank you!

This is awesome! I remember about 15 years ago seeing your name, you had a website with fireworks compositions that I frequently visited. I seem to remember that I learned about the very popular sparkle composition with sodium bicarbonate in it. (Don't remember the name at this moment) Also, I've been interested in Senko Hanabi since reading Takeo Shimizu's book, also about 15 years ago. With this information I might actually try it now and may amaze my kids if I'm successful...!

Absolutely amazing as always. The baking soda formula is so fascinating with the way it glows and emits gas jets. It makes me wonder if they actually could be studied more closely to understand something more about our sun, and the way coronal mass ejections work. Also what is your bird's name? Would you ever consider doing a short video about your bird? Edit: Nevermind. It's Mose. Very cute.

Thank you for this. I have been a fireworker all my life. My go to reference is Takeo Shimizu's epic work on fireworks, and you have obviously taken it to another level with other folks! Keep it up. This is one of my very favoritest of fireworks. Calm, incredibly beautiful, very Zen.

I've been waiting on this video for a whiiile I'm so excited it's here!

0:31 *HES TOUCHING THE TIP!*

Glad to see you're back making videos again, I've missed them! Always fun to see you make videos about a topic you're this passionate about, it really shows. And the closeups of the sparklers are just fantastic! Happy holidays, have a good one :D

The brilliance in your idea is truly fascinating.... ✌🏻

It's nice to see people on RU-vid who are interested in fire and burning things but not in a creepy or clickbaity way. When I tell people I like fire, well, I DON'T tell them, because it can sound so creepy. Thank you for being a responsible and interesting person who likes fire, you are a good example of how to use curiosity safely!

I've made a lot of fireworks over the years, shells, mines, gerbs, etc. But Senko Hanabi are still my favorite

Thank you so much for this recipe ever since your first video on this topic I really wanted to make these, however since it's illegal to use potassium nitrate for anything except as fertilizer and buying it will immediately put you on a watchlist (unless you have a license for the manufacturer of explosives) I couldn't however now I can thank you so much

I love how that very first shot was one consistent take without a cut!

Was watching this on my TV but had to open my phone and comment this. Please don't stop making RU-vid videos . This channel is so informative and awesome and I defo will try this sparkler soon. I may have forgotten about this channel but everytime you upload it's a new joy

This is fantastic! I have wanted to make this for a while but potassium nitrate is not available here, now I can try it. I wonder what the difference between using sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and sodium carbonate (washing soda) would be.

Thanks a lot for this Ben, you have such a great talent and impressive dedication!👌 I have been working as a pyrotechnist for a long time never tried the senko hanabi until I watched the pyro tech talk. Great fun but I have such darned problems getting the roll to start. Any tips for getting the correct “Fingerspitzengefühl” when it comes to the very initial part of rolling?

They are beautiful indeed. Love them and you explanation.

Love your Videos ! You can tell you enjoy what you are teaching us in the way you smile ! Thx

Certainly a neat little thing, and doesn't result in burnt fingers like regular sparklers made out of steel wire... :)

Wow, this makes me wonder what other (alkali) metals or combinations of metals would do in a senko hanabi. Maybe you could try lithium, cesium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper etc. Maybe even boron as that may produce a really nice green glow. Or try combinations like sodium and potassium.

I've been thinking about this channel for a while and patiently waiting for your next video. Thanks as always and Merry Christmas

i hope you will have such great passion towards things you like all through your life, truly inspirational

Please colaborate with either smartereveryday or slowmoguys for a tight close up with a macro lense to see how the sparks are formed prior to ejection at each stage of the burn, maybe even just post them to Gavin Free? Amazing videos, thank you for your neverending education and entertainment.

Wow. Senator Ted Cruz makes sparklers now.

You look so happy! Thank you for sharing this.

NightHawkInLight is sparkling right now. It's amazing how you make a technical video like a shinny gift for Christmas and it's really nice. Almost plasma-like sparkling for a few seconds. Thank you and happy holidays Ben and every fans ❤️

Nice to see Ted Cruz doing something positive with his life.

I love that you have brought back the concept of Video Responses. A feature of old RU-vid that I enjoyed, and was quite sad when they removed.

I'm glad to see a new video from you, just a few days ago I went to your channel to check if you had made something new that I missed. Hope you have a great festive season!

If missed your video's much, good to see you back!

i have been making fireworks (almost every kind) from 2005, my school days,,,,year by year i learnt more,,,, this thing is kind of " LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT",,, RESPECT your time and effort,, thanks from calcutta..

thank you for experimenting with baking soda, I was wondering about trying it, and now that I know the ratio of components, I'll definitely give it a try

Thanks so much for sharing this I will be making these for New Year's Eve. The kids will love them.

The shapes of the sparks are amazing!

Another video with Senko Hanabi Sparklers! I've been subscribed for ages, and the video where you went to learn about them was so well done and you showed them so much respect for their art that I was a permanent subscriber from that point on.

Awesome! Just brilliant making non flammable fireworks and really awesome display with the composition that goes into making them. I have always enjoyed your videos. Hope you keep making videos like this always. 👍🏾

This is such an awesome video! I saw the thumb nail and I thought "this isn't like him to do something this crazy" but it's such an informative video and something I didn't know

That's really cool, never seen such a good and easy replication of "plasma" blasts as that.

Oooh! What a great Christmas present; another Senko Hanabi video! YAY!

I have to try making some for new years. Thanks for all the great videos.

Many years ago i found your videos on fireworks and other curious subjects, and as an 11/12 year old I loved every single one last project you uploaded. Seeing this video gives me a kind of weird nostalgia, as well as reignites (hehe) a desire to get back into this stuff.

i cant think of any other channel that makes learning that fun and interesting. thank you so much for all the things ive learnt from watching your videos.

I know nothing about these pretty little sparklers, have no particular intestest in firework making and its been years since I lit any fuse. And yet I wholly enjoyed this watch, thank you.

Awesome! Very subtle and nuanced... Truly an art form.

This is the coolest thing I've seen in a while. Thanks!

Your videos are straight and to the point very informative.

wonderfull to watch. And I love the explanations you gave for the various effects seen.

Your videos and audio are high quality, a joy to listen and view!

This is truly awesome. Thanks for enlightening us.

I never would have guessed that you could do fireworks with those chemicals... and I would have never guessed baking soda could make a sparkler! Awesome video!!! Changed how I look at sparklers.

So glad to see you. Happy Holidays!

Very nice detailed video, I love watching Japanese firework videos, and the technique they use , Please continue making these videos. Thx.

These are great, this will be a nice little project next weekend

Love this video, it has helped ease certain family members fears.

Love your videos. Thank you for teaching us so many amazing things.

The sound on this video is super smooth, great work.

It's great to see you. And at Christmas time. Happy Christmas and I too loved the baking soda style of sparkler. It is also interesting to hear about what you've been up to lately.

This was really wonderful! I hope your efforts can help save this wonderful art and industry :)

Great video. It pleases me to see preservation and sharing of fading and rare knowledge for arts such as these. Media forums such as these are likened to what the library of Alexandia attempted to do, to preserve and spread knowledge. Keeping things alive such as this is the best use of the platform.

And yet another one that amazes us again Have a great Xmas .

Thanks , really enjoyed your research , well worth the wait , fascinating topic , thank you .

Excellent video. Thanks for the new info.