How was gunpowder MADE?

Answer 1

The origin of gunpowder is steeped in mystery specifically because its origin and manufacture constituted a military secret. An apocryphal section of the book of Daniel known as "Bel and the Dragon" contains a symbolic partial recipe for gunpowder. In the story, Daniel mixes fat, pitch, and hair into something that he uses to cause a dragon idol to explode. Fat contains glycerin and is a stabilizing agent. Pitch burns steadily even when wet, and hair contains sulphur. The only essential ingredient for making gunpowder which is missing from the list is tin. Being that "Bel and the Dragon" were part of the Septuagint Greek translation of Hebrew and Aramaic scriptures completed by 132 B.C.E. but are not found anywhere in the Hebrew/Aramaic scriptures themselves, the earliest date that can be positively ascribed to that text is 132 B.C.E., though it could stem from an earlier time.

Answer 2

Gunpowder or black powder, is a mixture of sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate.

The problem in making gunpowder, is knowing the percentages of each.

Answer 3

Traditional gunpowder (also commonly called black powder) is made of charcoal, sulphur and potassium nitrate (saltpeter), most recently and commonly in the ratio 15:10:75 respectively. However, gunpowder ceased to be a common propellant for firearms early in the 20th century.

Modern propellants are commonly known as smokeless powders rather than gunpowder, and are based on a combination of nitroglycerin, nitocellulose,and filler materials .

Answer 4

Gunpowder Factories