Mystery Powder: Uncovering the Secret Behind Its Creation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the creation of a mysterious powder using a mixture of alum (aluminium potassium sulfate), flour, and cornstarch in a 1:1:1 ratio, which was heated until no more fumes were produced. The residue, primarily carbon, was later used as a substitute for charcoal in gunpowder production, resulting in a vibrant red residue upon cooling. Participants suggest that this red residue may consist of potassium polysulfides, indicating a potential chemical transformation during the heating process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of chemical reactions involving alum (aluminium potassium sulfate)
  • Knowledge of the properties and uses of flour and cornstarch in chemical mixtures
  • Familiarity with gunpowder components and their interactions
  • Basic chemistry concepts related to oxidation and residue analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the chemical properties of potassium polysulfides and their formation
  • Explore the role of carbon in pyrotechnic mixtures and its effects on performance
  • Investigate the chemical reactions involved in heating alum and its byproducts
  • Learn about the safe handling and production of homemade gunpowder and its substitutes
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry enthusiasts, amateur pyrotechnicians, and anyone interested in the chemical processes behind creating and analyzing reactive powders.

Donman
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Ok so I mixed alum (aluminium potassium sulfate... I think), flower,and cornstarch in a 1:1:1 ratio, and put that in a covered pot and heated it till it produced no more smoke/fumes. This was an attempt to make a rapidly oxidizing powder in air. It was very blind science, I am sorry to say. It didn't work so I took the residue and ground it up and saved it.

Then one day I was making gun powder and I didn't have enough charcoal, or sugar. Then I remembered that I had made that an it was mostly carbon any way. So I substituted it in for charcoal. It worked like a champ. But I soon noticed that the residue left behind seemed to turn a very vibrant red as it cooled.

This really puzzles me I don't know what it is. It looks like red phosphorus but, I don't think any of the chemicals contained phosphorus. What have I made?? Please some one help me out here.
 
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It would be great if you could show us a picture of it.
 
With "flower" you mean "sulfur flower"?
If it's so, than that red residue, IMO, could be made of potassium polisulfides.
 

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