Sugar rockets sound harmless, but they can create a thrust that can launch them hundreds of meters through the air. Before you start, make sure you have an area that no one else is around where you can create or launch them. Read the entire process before you begin, so you're ready to follow all the safety instructions.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Making the Rocket Body
Step 1. Cut the PVC pipe to a short size
Purchase a PVC pipe with a diameter of about 13 mm from a home supply store. Cut the pipe into sections, as long as you want your rocket to be. A 7.5–10 cm rocket is the right size to start with.
Do not replace it with iron pipe. Metal sparks can ignite your rocket and cause a premature explosion
Step 2. Add retaining rings on each side
Find a smaller PVC pipe that fits right into your rocket section. Cut this into short pieces, about 6–12 mm long. Cut each piece – this allows you to expand the ring outward for a tighter fit. Apply PVC adhesive to the inside of the larger pipe, at one end. Place the smaller pipe inside the larger pipe, pressing it out to tighten it. Repeat on the other end with the second retaining ring. Clamp and wait for the adhesive to dry, according to the instructions on the label.
Step 3. Grind the cat litter
Purchase cat litter with unscented clay from a pet store. Grind dry cat litter with a coffee grinder or mortar into a fine powder.
- Alternatively, use quick-drying cement.
- In the end, you'll also make the cover on the other end as well. Grind in excess and set aside.
Step 4. Load the sand into each rocket
Stand each pipe at one end on a stable surface. Fill each pipe with 1/3 full of cat litter powder. Firmly compact the sand with a wooden stick or bobbin that can fit into the pipe. This will compact the sand into a hard clay cap.
- Make sure the clay forms a firm surface over the retaining ring. The ring's job is to prevent the clay from sliding outward, allowing the rocket to build up more pressure before the cap explodes.
- If the sand is crumbling and doesn't solidify, moisten it a little.
Part 2 of 3: Making the Fuel
Step 1. Buy powdered sugar
The sugar provides the energy that will propel the rocket as it ignites. Check the ingredients list before buying: most refined sugar is made up of cornstarch, but this won't significantly affect the rocket. If you have other ingredients added, look for other brands.
- In some areas, this sugar is sold as white sugar or icing sugar.
- You can start with granulated sugar and turn it into powdered sugar with a blender, coffee grinder, or spice grinder.
Step 2. Find potassium nitrate
This chemical, KNO3, will provide oxygen to enable fast and long-lasting combustion. Purchase a "tree stump crusher" at a gardening or home supply store. Some brands of tree stump crushers contain several other ingredients so check the label to make sure it is 100% KNO3.
- You can sometimes find potassium nitrate at a drug/pharmaceutical store, livestock supply store, or online chemical supply store. For best results, look for those in powder form.
- Separate potassium nitrate and sugar in separate places.
Step 3. Grind the potassium nitrate to a powder
Buy a new coffee grinder and name it “potassium nitrate.” Place on a clean table, away from sugar and other flammable objects. Half fill with potassium nitrate and grind for 40 seconds, turning the grinder to make sure all the powder has been exposed to the mill blade. The finer the powder, the more evenly the powder will mix with the sugar.
- Never grind sugar and potassium nitrate in the same grinder, even in different batches. This can cause fire and explosion.
- You will need 65g of this powder, or about a handful.
Step 4. Find a suitable work place
Once built, rockets run the risk of catching fire if they come into contact with heat, sparks from metal objects, or with fire. Ideally, you should get the rocket as close to your launch area as possible. Choose an area that is open and away from people. Even if they are deliberately launched, these rockets can damage their surroundings or people as they hurtle back down to earth.
Check your local laws and regulations regarding rockets and fireworks
Step 5. Set up an electric heater
In a moment, you will be mixing the two ingredients over the fire. There is always a risk of explosion or fire in this process. Reduce the risk of injury with the following steps:
- Remove scattered objects and flammable materials from large spaces, preferably outside. The floor should be dirt (with all grass removed) or cement.
- Prepare an electric warm plate or deep frying pan with a thermostat control. Electric stoves or other heating elements without proper temperature regulation can add a significant risk of harm.
- Make sure there are no sources of sparks or open flames in the area. Metal objects can be dangerous.
- Provide a large container filled with water. The fire extinguisher may not be able to extinguish the burning fuel.
Step 6. Put on safety equipment
The risk that the fuel mixture is exposed to fire and a large explosion occurs is significant. Wear gloves, a face shield, and clothing that is thick and covers all exposed skin. Don't wear any clothes made of synthetic materials, which can melt on your skin.
- Use a face shield that covers your head and hair as well.
- Leather aprons and long leather gloves are highly recommended.
Step 7. Put the ingredients in a fireproof container
Using a kitchen scale, measure out 65 grams of potassium nitrate powder, and take it to a heater. Bring a kitchen scale on powdered sugar. Measure 35 grams in a new container and take it to the heater. Pour both ingredients over a frying pan or pan that won't be used for anything else.
- For best results, make a double team pan by placing the frying pan in a larger pan filled with oil. This will heat the fuel more evenly.
- For your first work, consider using only 60g of potassium nitrate and 40g of sugar. These are easier to build, but less powerful.
Step 8. Mix with baking soda (optional)
This will slow down heating, which will reduce thrust but also reduce the risk of the rocket exploding prematurely. Mix 15g of baking soda into 100g of baking soda. Use a wooden or silicone stirrer to stir it.
Step 9. Heat while stirring constantly
Place the container of sugar and potassium nitrate on an electric heat source. Heat to 193ºC, keeping the temperature as close to that temperature as possible at all times. Using a silicone spatula (never use a metal one), stir gently to combine the two ingredients and evenly distribute the heat. Not stirring it constantly will cause an explosion. Stir over heat until the mixture turns into a light brown thick liquid, similar to peanut butter. This can take as long as an hour, but this size group will usually be ready in 20 to 30 minutes.
If the sugar turns dark brown, remove the mixture from the heat. Too much caramelization will make the fuel less effective
Part 3 of 3: Finishing the Rocket
Step 1. Load the fuel into the rocket body
When the hot-fuel mixture is ready, pour a small amount into one of the rockets you prepared. Immediately compact with a stick that is the right size, making sure there are no air bubbles. Pour again and compact until only 2.5 cm of space remains on the body of the rocket.
- If the mixture has become too cold to pour, transfer the ingredients with a wooden stirrer.
- Leave some distance between the fuel and the retaining ring.
Step 2. Compact the addition of cat litter
Make a second clay cover over the fuel, as you did the first time. Squeeze tightly to create a hard, non-crushed lid. It will be located under the retaining ring and flush with the tip of the rocket.
- Again, you can also choose to use quick-drying cement. Allow the cement to dry before you proceed.
- At this point, the rocket will move with extreme thrust when the ignited fuel is ignited. Stand far away when compacting. From now on, treat the rocket with full attention and avoid pointing both ends at yourself.
Step 3. Carefully drill on the top cover
Now is the time to make the cap you made into a spray pipe, which will create thrust by releasing a high-pressure exhaust. It is quite possible to ignite a rocket in drilling, so do so with caution. In your fire-resistant work area, drill the spray pipe in the following way:
- Clamp your rocket in place and stand to one side. Never put your face in front of one end of the rocket.
- Choose a small drill bit, to make a small hole in the center of the rocket. Smaller holes will create higher pressure, but can also blow the lid prematurely. You may have to experiment to determine the best results.
- Use the slowest drill setting to keep the temperature low. Drill into the center of the clay cap. Stop every few seconds and pull to reduce the temperature and remove any adhering particles with a dry cloth.
- Drill until you penetrate the top cap.
Step 4. Create a core (optional)
Once you've penetrated the lid, you may want to drill a core hole in the center of the burner. This will add boost by providing more burnable surface. Insert a stick or aluminum rod into the fuel, propelling it about half the length of the rocket.
- Your fuel may be too thick or too hard to make a core. That's okay, your rocket is still usable.
- Remember, don't put your face in front of any of the rocket tips.
Step 5. Glue an axis
Insert the cannon axis into the hole you just drilled. Leave more axes outside the rocket for safety's sake.
Step 6. Glue a rod on the side
Glue or tape a long, strong wooden skewer to the outside of the rocket. Stick it close to the spray pipe, with most of the stitch over the rocket.
You should be able to balance the rocket (just above the ground) by placing one finger directly on the spray pipe. Move the rods or replace the rods with other sizes until you can balance them
Step 7. Put it on the ground and turn it on
Plant the rod firmly above the ground so that the rocket is pointing upwards. Make sure the rod and rocket are stable. Warn everyone in the area. Light the wick and dodge. Safe! You just launched your first sugar rocket.
Instead, take cover behind a safety wall after lighting the fuse
Tips
- Store all materials and combustibles in airtight containers to reduce moisture that can be absorbed from the air. (To reduce the risk of burning, save the fuel for a day or two while you complete the work.)
- If your stump crusher is not 100% KNO3, dissolve in boiling water and filter through a paper sieve. Remove the filter and solids, then boil the water thoroughly to get the most of the KNO3 pure. Leave in a hot area or in the oven on the lowest setting to dry completely.
- To make a very fine powder with excellent combustion qualities, put the sugar and nitrate (always separately) in a separate rock tumbler. Grind for 10 hours.
Warning
- This is a very dangerous process and should be done with care. Older children are not allowed to try it without close and constant supervision. Small children are not allowed in the work area.
- Check local laws and regulations before building or launching a rocket. Rockets can be expressed as fireworks or weapons in some areas.
- If anyone has access to enter your work area, provide clear warning signs at all entrances.
