Ignition Temperatures of Various Common Materials
The following data demonstrates that the chemical mixtures found in fireworks are less prone to ignite if heated than are many common materials found in retail stores, warehouses and homes.
| Material | Ignition Temperature (F) |
 |
|
| Non-Fireworks Materials | |
| Nitrocellulose film | 279 |
| Match heads (strike anywhere) | 325 |
| Carbon soot (dust) | 366 |
| Wood fiberboard (piece) | 430 |
| Paper, newsprint (cuts) | 446 |
| Cotton sheeting (roll) | 464 |
| Douglas fir (shavings) | 500 |
|
|
| Fireworks Compositions | |
| Black powder | 626 |
| Red flare composition | 752 |
| Flash powder | 835 |
| Green flare composition | 860 |
-----------------------------------
Sources:
R.L. Tuve, Principles of Fire Protection Chemistry,
National Fire Protection Association, Boston, 1976.
J.A. Conkling, Chemistry of Pyrotechnics, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1985.