How are firecrackers made?
Firecrackers originated in China 2,000 years ago. To this day the Liu Yang region of Hunan Province remains the main production area for fireworks. Very few of the millions who enjoy them realize how elaborate a production process is required to create these pyrotechnic displays.Rolling Firecracker TubesFireworks contain three main ingredients: fuel, oxidizers to help the fuel burn, and a binding agent. These are combined and compressed into tubes made of rolled cardboard. Production begins with the rolling of thousands of these paper tubes.Bundling and Closing the TubesThe tubes are sorted and tied into tight hexagonal bundles, which are sliced in half crosswise. One end of each tube is closed off, in preparation for filling, by applying a thin layer of wet clay to one side of each bundle.Fuse ProductionBlack powder forms the base for different types of fuses. A hot solution of potassium nitrate is prepared, into which is mixed finely ground charcoal; then sulphur is added, and the mi
