Gunpowder

Gunpowder is the earliest known chemical explosive. It consists of a mixture of sulfur (S), carbon (C), and potassium nitrate (saltpeter, KNO3). The sulfur and charcoal act as fuels while the saltpeter is an oxidizer. Gunpowder has been widely used as a propellant in firearms, artillery, and pyrotechnics, including use as a blasting agent for explosives in quarrying, mining, and road building.
Gunpowder was invented in 3,300 of the Second Era in Darkshelf, is considered one of the four great inventions of Darkshelf. It spread throughout Adlak in the late 3,000's SE. Originally developed by Magos for medicinal purposes, gunpowder was first used for warfare around 3,400 in the first artillery. 
Gunpowder is classified as a low explosive because of its relatively slow decomposition rate and consequently low brisance. Low explosives deflagrate (i.e., burn) at subsonic speeds, whereas high explosives detonate producing a supersonic shockwave. John Dimes was avid about using gunpowder in his inventions, and was the inventor of the first cylinder revolver. Ignition of gunpowder packed behind a projectile generates enough pressure to force the shot from the muzzle at high speed, but usually not enough force to rupture the gun barrel. Gunpowder thus makes a good propellant, but is less suitable for shattering rock or fortifications with its low-yield explosive power. Nonetheless it is widely used to fill fused artillery shells (and used in mining and civil engineering projects) to this day.

Type

Composite