The discussion focuses on the chemical properties of carbon and sulfur in gunpowder, specifically black powder, where carbon and sulfur act as reducing agents and potassium nitrate serves as an oxidizing agent. This combination generates significant heat and gaseous products, enabling its use as an explosive. The inclusion of sulfur is noted to enhance combustion speed. An experiment with potassium nitrate and carbon alone, without sulfur, resulted in a slower burn compared to traditional black powder. The conversation also touches on the use of phosphor instead of carbon, although the forum guidelines prohibit detailed discussions on explosives.