Making slowmatch

[The Miner '49er]

Is it safe to heat a solution of potassium nitrate dissolved in water? If so, can it be heated in a metal pan or must it be non metallic? Also and can it be done directly on a heat source or must it be done in a double boiler? I'm experimenting with different cord types and hope to use the remaining solution from the first match that I made. Thanks to you chemistry savvy guys.

 

[sgtsquid]

I just soak hemp twine in a potassium nitrate solution for a day or two and it works fine. I don't even bother to heat anything.

 

[Billy-by-gosh]

Is it safe to heat a solution of potassium nitrate dissolved in water? If so, can it be heated in a metal pan or must it be non metallic? Also and can it be done directly on a heat source or must it be done in a double boiler? I'm experimenting with different cord types and hope to use the remaining solution from the first match that I made. Thanks to you chemistry savvy guys.

Sure, you can. Just about any pan will work (though I like enamelled pots best). I started out boiling the stuff together to get it to dissolve amd integrate with cord faster; nowdays I just heat a pan of water to near boiling and then remove it from heat before addinng the KNO3. Stir gently until it is all dissolved then add the braided hemp cord to soak before removing it. Lay out flat (horizontally) to dry on a level smooth surface.

 

[The Miner '49er]

Maybe I'm overly cautious, but I want to avoid a fire when I reheat the previously mixed batch. No worries now. Thanks guys.

 

[Canute Rex]

The nitrate won't combust when mixed with water. It's an oxidizer, and when mixed with water becomes potassium hydroxide.

It's best to precede the nitrate with a good bucking. That is, simmering the match cord in potassium carbonate (wood ash liquor). That gets the lignin out so that there is less ash to get between your glowing match and the powder. Simmer, rinse, wring, repeat. First time the water/carbonate solution will get brown. Second time, slightly tan. Let it dry and then do the potassium nitrate.

Bucking will make your ignition more of a sure thing. I have successfully used match that I bucked but didn't nitrate.