How Is Flash Paper Made?

Use

Flash paper is a special effects tissue that can produce flames on a person's fingertips. The actual paper is thin and almost transparent in appearance. The size of the paper varies from 8-by-9-inch sheets to 2-by-3-inch pads depending on the use. The special paper ignites quickly into a bright flame using a lighter or match. Magicians commonly use flash paper to enhance the magic performance. Special effects artists employ it to create pyrotechnic illusions for stage and films.

Making Flash Paper

Flash paper is made by carefully mixing 10mL of nitric acid and 8mL of sulfuric acid then pouring it into a dish. Place a thin piece of paper such as toilet tissue into the dish and let the solution soak in for about 10 minutes. The paper may have a denser, gel-like appearance when the material is wet after the period of time. After drying, the paper will immediately burn before hitting the ground once lit.

Chemistry

The flash paper works as a nitrocellulose, or also known as a "celluloid." In essence, the sugars such as the cellulose in the paper are added with the hydroxl (OH) groups. The nitric-sulfuric acid mix is the nitrating agent. The solution converts the hydroxl groups to nitrate esters (ONO2). Basically, the nitrocellulose creates its own oxidizing agent inside and thus helps the flame consume the paper at a rapid rate. Hence, the effect produces a flash for the audience.

References

• Creating Flash Paper