The Myth of Crushed Glass and Gunpowder: Debunking the Danger
There is a widespread belief that crushing glass and mixing it with gunpowder creates a dangerous combination. However, this notion is largely unfounded. This article will explore the historical context, the composition of modern gunpowder, and why the idea of mixing crushed glass with gunpowder poses no significant threat.
Historical Context and Patent
In the mid-19th century, chemist James Gale applied for a patent, BP 1679, for an improvement in gunpowder in 1865. Gale's innovation aimed to make gunpowder inert for safe storage and transport. His method involved mixing gunpowder with powdered silica, or as he described it, crushed glass, which would render the gunpowder harmless during transit. While Gale's idea demonstrated potential, it was never widely adopted or extensively used.
The findings of Gale's invention can be found detailed in the Journal of the Royal United Service Institution Vol 10, where the process and results were thoroughly documented.
Crushed Glass: Essentially Inert
Crushed glass, or silica, is a non-reactive material. It is chemically inert, meaning it does not readily react with other substances. When mixed with gunpowder, the glass acts as a diluent, reducing the concentration of the explosive.
Modern Gunpowder: Composition and Properties
Modern gunpowder, also known as smokeless powder, is composed primarily of nitrocellulose or a mixture of nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine. These compounds are propellants and not explosives in the same sense as black powder. When ignited, modern gunpowder burns evenly and quickly, generating a significant amount of gas but no explosion. In fact, if you were to ignite modern gunpowder with a match, it would not explode but rather dissipate harmlessly.
When crushed glass is added to modern gunpowder, the powder's effectiveness is diluted. The glass simply reduces the overall propellant capability of the mixture, making the gunpowder less capable of propelling a projectile. The diluted gunpowder would result in less force, potentially even leading to a "fizzle" rather than an explosion.
Black Powder: A Historical Perspective
Black powder, on the other hand, is a low explosive used in older firearms. If crushed glass is mixed with black powder, the effect is likewise diminished in a confined space. The resulting explosion would be weak, barely noticeable in comparison to a conventional black powder charge. The glass particles might scatter but would likely not pose any significant hazard, let alone cut through denim or similar materials.
Historically, black powder was used to determine alcohol content in spirits. By mixing the alcohol with black powder and igniting it, the alcohol content could be assessed. This method relied on the fact that black powder would only ignite at around 55% alcohol, which was rounded to 50% or "100 proof." Similarly, 200 proof was equivalent to 100% alcohol concentration.
Conclusion: Practical Use of Gunpowder
The only effective manner to utilize gunpowder, whether modern or black, is within a confined space, such as a firearm barrel or a similar encased environment. The projectile, which is significantly more powerful than crushed glass, is the true source of danger. Gunpowder mixed with crushed glass dilutes the propellant but does not negate its inherent danger. Ensuring safe storage, handling, and use of both modern and black powder is paramount to prevent accidents and injuries.
Therefore, the idea of crushed glass and gunpowder creating a dangerous combination is a myth. Understanding the properties of both substances is crucial for safe handling and proper utilization in various applications.