Quote:
Underburnt charcoal, that is, charcoal prepared at a very low temperature, is at once known
by its reddish brown colour; overburnt charcoal by its hardness and density. The former is
greatly more inflammable than the latter...
Underburnt charcoal has found favour for some small-arms powders amongst private makers
in this country and in France. It certainly appears to render the powder more inflammable
and consequently quicker...
That underburnt charcoal produces a very marked effect there can be no doubt. Recent
experiments at Waltham Abbey have proved that if two powders be made identical in
all qualities, the one with black charcoal, the other with red or underburnt charcoal,
the latter will give a higher velocity to the projectile than the former.
Great work Almar! You've proved the book to be absolutely correct.
Quote:
It is of the highest importance that the charring of the wood should always be conducted
as nearly as possible at the same temperature, for the chemical composition of the charcoal
and the temperature at which it will ignite is undoubtedly affected by the temperature at
which it has been charred. Charcoal prepared at a low temperature is softer, more inflammable,
and contains more gaseous elements than charcoal prepared at a higher heat...
Thanks to your work and the Book, we all now know the SECRET to making really effective Charcoal!