how to mare black powder :: essays research papers

How to Make Black Powder(and other fickles)IntroductionBlack Powder, also known as Gunpowder, is an explosive that has been around, literally,for centuries. The exact origins of the formula are lost in time, but it is known that theChinese used Black Powder in weaponry at least(prenominal) 1,000 years ago.Technically, Black Powder burns by a process known as deflagration. This differs fromdetonation in that Black Powder produces subsonic buffet waves, as opposed to thesupersonic shock waves produced by explosives such as Dynamite, C-4 or TNT. Thismeans that Black Powder is better suited as a propellant (such as in fireworks, bullets andcannons) than blasting (such as in construction or demolition).SafetyBlack Powder is dangerous. The powder burns at a in truth high temperature, and is easilyignited. (High grade powder doesnt even need a flame to ignite it can be fit out off bypercussion, such as the firing pin of a pistol.) Basically, what I am saying is that if youare not care ful, you could land up with very severe burns, or worse. Some basicguidelines to follow1) ever mix ingredients in small amounts. Do not try to make 10 Kg of blackpowder (or any explosive) in one batch. Mixing small amounts of powder limitsthe potential damage should an unexpected explosion occur.2) Keep your workplace tidy. Always carefully clean up spilled chemicals. Somematerials can spontaneously combust when mixed (this is especially true ofnitrates and chlorates). For the same reason, use separate instruments (plasticspoons, mixing cups, etc) for various chemicals. Label your instruments so thatyou know what materials they have been in contact with.3) Mix materials outdoors. Chemical explosives contain their own internal source ofoxygen, and cannot be smothered. If you start a chemical fire indoors, it can benearly impossible to extinguish.4) Be aware of static sparks. Do not use metal instruments to mix or grind materials.Do not store chemicals in metal containers. Use ceram ics or plastics whereverpossible. Store chemicals and mixtures in plastic containers or ZipLoc&63722 bags.5) Wear asylum goggles. Should the worst happen, skin can be grafted. Eyes cannotbe replaced.IngredientsBlack Powder has traditionally consisted of three ingredients Potassium Nitrate (KNO3,also known as Salt Peter), sulfur and Charcoal. The Sulfur and Charcoal provide fuel forthe reaction, while the Potassium Nitrate provides Oxygen. By themselves, Charcoal andSulfur will burn, albeit very slowly. The accompaniment of an oxidizer (such as KNO3) greatlyspeeds up the burn rate of the fuel, resulting in an explosive reaction.The traditional ratio of the ingredients is 1532 of KNO3, Charcoal and Sulfur by weight