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Granulation involves passing the dried mixture through a sieve to create small, consistent grains typically ranging from 1 to 3 mm in diameter. The size of these grains can influence the burn rate; smaller grains burn more quickly, which can be advantageous for certain applications.
Subsequently, the mixture can undergo a process called corning, where it is lightly moistened and pressed into cakes to form larger granules. This stabilizes the mixture and enhances performance upon ignition.
Safety Considerations and Storage
Given its sensitivity to heat, sparks, and friction, proper storage of gunpowder is crucial to preventing accidental ignition. Traditionally, gunpowder was stored in wooden kegs or metal canisters in separate magazines to minimize explosion risks.