Thermochemical Calculations for Potassium Ferrate(VI), K 2 FeO 4 , as a Green Oxidizer in Pyrotechnic Formulations

This paper documents the first‐time assessment of a novel oxidizer, potassium ferrate(VI), as an alternative to perchlorate and hazardous metal‐containing oxidizers in energetic formulations, using thermochemical calculations. Calculations were performed for several different types of pyrotechnic formulations using the NASA Chemical Equilibria with Applications (NASA‐CEA) program. Formulations used in devices including smokes, illuminants, signals, igniters, delays, and flashes were evaluated to determine the feasibility of using potassium ferrate(VI) as an alternative oxidizer. The calculated adiabatic flame temperatures and equilibrium combustion products for the proposed formulations were compared to those of common baseline formulations for different pyrotechnic applications to determine the likelihood of functional success of potassium ferrate(VI)‐based formulations. Based on these initial data, it is highly probable that formulations incorporating potassium ferrate(VI) will result in reactive compositions for a variety of pyrotechnic applications. This material could address environmental concerns about perchlorate and heavy metal contamination by offering an environmentally‐friendly alternative oxidizer.