Wool and Black Powder Smoke

**O'Searcaigh** · 9th April 13, 06:43 PM

Wow! This is a great example, I think, of why this sub-forum is appropriate. The chemicals involved here (sulfur, hydrogen and oxygen) are the same involved in producing acid rain, the balanced formula for which is: 2SO₂ + O₂ + 2H₂O => 2H₂SO₄. Given that acid rain is an unfortunate fact of our times, one might expect its affects on woolens to be similar to those encountered by our regimental ancestors? If the black powder of yore was a problem, then perhaps we should stay out the rain too (if another reason was even needed)!

**Spartan Tartan** · 9th April 13, 07:00 PM

Although the sulfuric acid is a product of the sulfer, oxygen and water, do we have sufficient heat/energy to push the chemical reaction to the right? If not, the sulfer dust will have no additional effect over regular dust... That might also explain a lack of acid eating through the wool due to black powder??? Just tossing out ideas...

**Germankilter** · 9th April 13, 08:55 PM

I was a American civil war reenactor for several years. We used black powder all the time, about a pound of powder a weekend sometimes more. All wool uniforms. There was color change, but that's called petina. Mostly dirt and camp fire, mixed with sweat and powder. Didn't hurt it at all. I have never washed my wools, just let them air out if they got to smelly.

**Tobus** · 10th April 13, 05:10 AM

Originally Posted by Spartan Tartan

Although the sulfuric acid is a product of the sulfer, oxygen and water, do we have sufficient heat/energy to push the chemical reaction to the right?

The reaction that occurs upon firing a black powder weapon (or any combustion, for that matter) is an exothermic oxidation, or burning, reaction. Lots of heat involved. So, yes. The addition of the spark from the striking of the flint (or whatever method is used to ignite the powder) provides the "sufficient heat/energy" to push the chemical reaction to the right.

That said, there's usually a bit of powder that doesn't fully ignite. So the residue from firing black powder will usually be from both sides of the equation.

**Pleater** · 10th April 13, 08:49 AM

I just remembered a bit of my school chemistry..

Sulphur dioxide dissolves in water to form sulphurus acid - in British spelling. Equal numbers of the molecules are involved to produce the ionised solution of H2SO3.

The solution will then oxidise to one of Sulphuric acid, H2SO4 over time, given the opportunity - exposure to the air.

I should have remembered that - but it was rather a long time ago.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**The Wizard of BC** · 10th April 13, 09:04 AM

Let's not forget that it is not just the kilt that is made of wool in the clothing of the black powder period. Virtually all outer clothing was wool. Tunics are almost always wool and would be closer to the flash pan and the muzzle.
The chances would be far greater for any change in the look and feel nearer the source so if this is true I suppose we would see it first on these garments.

**MacCathmhaoil** · 10th April 13, 09:36 AM

Are most using blackpowder versus a more modern product suck as pyrodex? It's been years since I dragged my Kentucky rifle out.......

**O'Searcaigh** · 10th April 13, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by Spartan Tartan

Although the sulfuric acid is a product of the sulfer, oxygen and water, do we have sufficient heat/energy to push the chemical reaction to the right? If not, the sulfer dust will have no additional effect over regular dust... That might also explain a lack of acid eating through the wool due to black powder??? Just tossing out ideas...

Excellent point! As I got to thinking about this (a dangerous thing for me to do), I began to wonder why/if black powder resulted in the production of H₂SO₄ (or any other form of sulfur acid) because the main ingredients of it are potassium nitrate (saltpeter) and charcoal. The sulfur was/is only used to lower the temperature necessary to "spark" the reaction (by increased pressure by a cap or heat spark from a flint). Non-sulfur black powder and "pressure cap firing" was known well within the time-frame of the relevant kilted regiments. The chemical reaction for black powder containing sulfur is:

4KNO₃ + C₇H₄O + 2S => 2K₂S +4CO₂ + 3CO + 2H₂O + 2N₂.

Note that there is no production (at least not directly) of any acid of sulfur here. Also, all the "products" are gasses. If kilts were being messed up in some way, it would seem to have to come either from charcoal or perhaps the potassium nitrate (saltpeter) or just raw sulfur rather than any chemical reaction stemming from them to produce sulfuric acid? If acid is bad for wool kilts (and it might not be -- see Pleater's post above), then kilts may have more to fear from acid rain (see my earlier post) than black powder. My guess is (and it is basically worthless) that spilling a bunch of charcoal powder and potassium nitrate on your kilt will mess it up (require cleaning) as much or more than anything that might be the result of a chemical reaction involving sulfur.

**Elf** · 10th April 13, 11:29 AM

I have not noticed anything myself, nor heard of others complaining of the effects of black powder smoke on their clothes. (I do know of blacksmithing smoke eating away canvas tentage.) I will have to pointedly ask around at future re-enactment events. Thank you for raising the question.

**seumasFinn** · 10th April 13, 02:13 PM

Originally Posted by MacCathmhaoil

Are most using blackpowder versus a more modern product suck as pyrodex? It's been years since I dragged my Kentucky rifle out.......

Elephant. It was an 1853 Enfield (replica).

BP is hygroscopic- hence if you leave the fouling untouched it attracts water which leads to oxidation of Fe which leads to rust and pitting. No idea what if any effect on wool, especially as a bit of rain or water would tend to dissolve it and wash it away.