3 replies to this topic

[1145climber]

I was curious why we use charcoal made from burning trees in the absence of oxygen if carbon is the product we desire... wouldn't the standard black powder be better if pure carbon was used instead? I mean, aside from a few complications, it seems like it would be a relatively good idea to use the carbon produced by the dehydration of starches when mixed with sulfuric acid:

C6H12O6 -> 6C + 6H2O

though the carbon produced by this would probably be slightly acidic, that is not my point. i'm just curious as to why we use charcoal instead of pure carbon...

am i missing something? maybe the other ingredients that make up willow charcoal are actually necessary for it to burn well?

[Richard H]

It is essentially the impurities in the charcoals that increase the burning speed. The chemistry is quite complex, but the difference it makes is very important. Try a small batch of vine or willow charcoal versus activated charcoal and see which is faster.

[Asteroid]

If pure carbon's what you're after, just heat the sugar, no impurities whatsoever. I'd be interested to see what the impurities were, does anyone know?

[1145climber]

oh alright... figured it must be something like that. thanks!