Fine technical, granular, chemically similar to urea except that the oxygen atom is replaced by a sulfur atom. The properties of the two differ significantly. Because thiourea has the sulfur atom, studies have cited its lower friction sensitivity (over elemental sulfur) when used as a fuel in pyrotechnic compounds with oxidizers, including chlorates. However, this trait can be viewed as an asset or a liability depending on its application. Some of the functional traits it lends to pyrotechnic formulations include catalytically sensitizing mixtures to increase the combustion rate, lower the ignition point (usually significantly), increase energy, shock and impact sensitivity (brisance) in explosives, fuel sensitizer in pyrotechnic CS, fungicide, pesticide and smoke formulations, and as a flame retardand in resins and smoke formulations. Its use in combination with less sensitive oxidizers as a substitute for more expensive, more sensitive oxidizers (such as chlorates) is entirely feasable and should be explored by the pyrotechnic chemist. In addition, it is also used as a vulcanization accelerator, the main ingredient in silver cleaners (Tarn-X), as an ingredient in solder/tinning fluxes, and for making electroless tin, copper and lead alloy plating solutions. Don't miss out on this one!