How to make black powder (and other explosives) Introduction Black powder, also known as gunpowder, is an explosive that has been around, literally, for centuries. The exact origins of the formula are lost to time, but it is known that the Chinese used black powder in weapons at least 1,000 years ago. Technically, black powder burns by a process known as deflagration. This differs from detonation in that black powder produces subsonic shock waves, as opposed to the supersonic shock waves produced by explosives such as dynamite, C-4, or TNT. This means that black powder is better suited as a propellant (as in fireworks, projectiles and cannons) than as an explosion (as in construction or demolition). Safety Black powder is dangerous!. The powder burns at a very high temperature and ignites easily. (High-quality powder doesn't even need a flame to ignite; it can be ignited by percussion, like the firing pin of a gun.) Basically, what I'm saying is that if you're not careful, you could come down with very severe burns or worse. Some basic guidelines to follow:1) Always mix ingredients in small quantities. Do not attempt to produce 10 kg of black powder (or any other explosive) in a single batch. Mixing small amounts of dust limits potential damage in the event of an unexpected explosion.2) Keep the workplace tidy. Always clean up spilled chemicals carefully. Some materials can spontaneously combust when mixed (this is especially true for nitrates and chlorates). For the same reason, use separate tools (plastic spoons, mixing cups, etc.) for different chemicals. Label your tools so you know what materials they have been in contact with. 3) Mix the materials outdoors. Chemical explosives contain their own internal source of oxygen and cannot be suffocated. If you start a chemical fire indoors, it can be nearly impossible to extinguish. 4) Be careful of static sparks. Do not use metal tools to mix or grind materials. Do not store chemicals in metal containers. Use ceramic or plastic where possible. Store chemicals and mixtures in plastic containers or ZipLoc bags.5) Wear safety glasses. If the worst should happen, a skin graft can be performed. The eyes cannot be replaced. Ingredients Black powder is traditionally made of three ingredients: potassium nitrate (KNO3, also known as Peter's salt), sulfur, and charcoal. Sulfur and carbon provide the fuel for the reaction, while potassium nitrate provides the oxygen. On their own, coal and sulfur will burn, albeit very slowly. Adding an oxidizer (such as KNO3) significantly accelerates the burning rate of the fuel, causing an explosive reaction. The traditional ingredient ratio is 15:3:2 KNO3, carbon and sulfur by weight