Ammonium Dichromate - wacky reaction!

[airbrakes]

I've just been shown this:
http://9gag.com/gag/aXbwNMg

Can someone please explain what makes it form big long semi-stiff tubes instead of just a normal pile of powdered reagent? I'm rather interested in the mechanics of what makes it behave like that

[marksx]

I don't know the answer but it looks very like what you see with smoke bombs and those rubbish indoor fireworks you can get.

[gamefreaks]

Here's another one. Different chemical but better video and similar effect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNHTz1j48qc

Strange.

[hidetheelephants]

marksx said:

I don't know the answer but it looks very like what you see with smoke bombs and those rubbish indoor fireworks you can get.

Those things fking reek; the niece and nephew had some for christmas and insisted on lighting them to show me, they were frankly ste and smelt awful.

[Monty Python]

When heated, ammonium dichromate decomposes to chromium oxide, nitrogen and water.

[tapkaJohnD]

gamefreaks said:

Here's another one. Different chemical but better video and similar effect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNHTz1j48qc

Strange.

Whereas that breaks down into cyanogen, mercury vapour and sulphur dioxide. All highly toxic and irritant. Do not do this at home, or even in the garage!
JOhn