Effective components on explosive combustion characteristics of wood charcoals

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of components on the explosive combustion of wood charcoals used in Korean traditional fireworks (Naghwa (sparkling flame) rods). The charcoal used in the study was prepared directly using wood mulberry bark (MB), mulberry lignum (ML), and pine tree lignum (PL). It was found that the Ca (2.55%), K (1.11%), P (0.46%) and Mg (0.56%) in addition to C, H, O, N, S components of MB charcoal were higher than those in other charcoals. The most suitable combination of charcoal for Naghwa-rods was ML (or PL) charcoal particles of 6–12 mesh and MB charcoal powder of 6 mesh or less, considering the frequency of ignition, maintaining flame, environmentally friendly sources and explosive combustion phenomenon. The chemical components that influence the explosive combustion of MB charcoal was calcium cyanurate (Ca3C6N6O6) and potassium nitrate (KNO3). In the combustion reaction of MB charcoal, the conversion of N to NO in the fuel was approximately 17.6%.