Bengal Light
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Related to Bengal Light: Sparklers
The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.
Bengal Light
a pyrotechnic compound containing barium nitrate (the oxidant), powdered aluminum or magnesium (the fuel), dextrin or starch (the cementer), and oxidized iron or steel filings. The compound is applied to pieces of iron wire to obtain so-called Bengal candles. When ignited, Bengal light burns slowly, scattering bright, flashing sparks (particles of metal burning to completion in the air).
The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition (1970-1979). © 2010 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.