Flash Retardants: how do they work?

[Upside Down @ 100 MPH]

Can anyone tell me what chemicals are added to gunpowder to reduce "flash" and how they work?

Greg

[ August 10, 2001: Message edited by: EMDII ]

[stargazer]

Ever wonder why gunpowder leaves a fine grayish powder like substance wherever it has been? That's graphite! Or a substance very similar. It is used to coat the powder granules to slow down the rate of oxidation when ignited. Otherwise, the powder would be very sensitive as well. :)

[Rifle_Guy]

I believe the military adds Calcium Carbonate as a flash retardant. However I'm not sure how it works.

[ July 13, 2001: Message edited by: Rifle_Guy ]

[Upside Down @ 100 MPH]

I thought the calcium carbonate was a preservative to prolong shelf life or something.

Isn't this the stuff that originally gummed up the M-16's in 'Nam?

Greg

[Wadman]

I thought all powder was coated with graphite to prevent/reduce friction between the granules. Doesn't all powder, especially the extruded and cut variety, start out as a yellow color prior to coating?

[Upside Down @ 100 MPH]

That's a deterrent coating to control burn rate.

Greg

[55bird]

We need a real chemist now!