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Gunpowder, also commonly known as black powder to distinguish it from modern smokeless powder, is the earliest known chemical explosive. It consists of a mixture of sulfur, charcoal (which is mostly carbon ), and potassium nitrate (saltpeter). The sulfur and charcoal act as fuels while the saltpeter is an oxidizer.
Jun 28, 2024 · Learn about the origin, chemistry, and applications of gunpowder, the first explosive mixture used in firearms and mining. Compare black powder, nitrocellulose, and pyrodex, and see how they differ in burning rate, pressure, and smoke.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Mar 15, 2024 · Black powder is a simple mixture of powdered potassium nitrate or saltpeter, charcoal and sulfur. But simply mixing the ingredients together is not going to give you the results you are looking for. Follow these instructions on making black powder--just be careful as you are working with explosives.
Black powder is traditional, smoke-producing gunpowder dating back to 9th century China. Trace its origins, learn how it’s made, and buy it at Powder Valley. Skip to content
Dixie Gun Works offers a wide range of products for blackpowder enthusiasts, including replica arms, accessories, antique parts, and shooting equipment. Browse their catalog online or order a print copy for $8.
Jun 6, 2019 · Learn about the origin, composition, and uses of gunpowder or black powder, a mixture of saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal. Find out how gunpowder works as a propellant and an explosive, and how it differs from modern substitutes.
May 22, 2024 · Black powder is the first type of explosive mixture invented for firearms and blasting. Learn about its origin, ingredients, properties, and applications in this article from Britannica.
