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An investigation was conducted to explore the feasibility of replacing atomized magnesium fuel and laminac binder in the hand held signals illuminant compositions with alternate fuel and binder materials without compromising performance characteristics. The illuminant compositions for M127A1 white star and M126A1 red star were selected as technology demonstration candidates. Alternate fuel materials tested include several commercially available atomized aluminum (ALCAN X-65, AEE-Al 104), high energetic nanomicron size aluminum powder (ALEX aluminum), magnesium-aluminum alloy powders (50/50) and ground magnesium powders (Reade RMC 305 and RCM 366). Alternate binder materials tested include environmentally compatible polyester polyurethane resin (CA-398 NLV). polyvinyl acetate resin (AYAF), vinyl alcohol acetate resins (POLIVIC S 202 and S 505) and hydrogenated nitrile elastomer (ZETPOL 2010). The performance criteria used for evaluation were luminous output (candlepower). bum time (seconds), and chromaticity color characteristics (dominant wavelength-DWL and saturation purity). Test data indicate that the luminous output (candlepower) and bum time with these new binder samples were generally comparable or higher than the minimum required values (candlepower 90,000 and bum time 25 sec for M127A1, candlepower 10.000 and burn time 50 sec for M126A1). The chromaticity characteristics including dominant wavelength and saturation purity values with these binder samples were within the acceptable CIE standard values for M126A1 red star. Further testing with the new binder materials, particularity with AYAF and POLIVIC S 505, are needed to optimize binder concentration in the compositions followed by a full-scale evaluation through end item function testing. The performance characteristics with the ground magnesium (Reade RMC 305 and RMC 366) fuel pellet samples were generally comparable or higher than the minimum required values.