Blasting gelatin

Blasting Gelatin is a type of explosive that was invented in the late 19th century. It is a more stable and powerful form of nitroglycerin, and is used in a variety of applications, from construction to mining.

History

Blasting gelatin was invented in 1875 by Alfred Nobel, the Swedish chemist and engineer who also invented dynamite. Nobel discovered that by adding collodion (a type of cellulose) to nitroglycerin, he could create a substance that was less sensitive to shock and more stable in various temperatures. This made it safer to handle and use than pure nitroglycerin.

Composition

Blasting gelatin is composed of nitroglycerin (90%) and collodion (10%). The collodion acts as a gelling agent, giving the explosive its characteristic gel-like consistency. This consistency makes the explosive easier to handle and less likely to accidentally detonate.

Uses

Blasting gelatin is primarily used in construction and mining. It is particularly useful in situations where a powerful explosive is needed, but where safety and stability are also important considerations. For example, it is often used in tunneling and quarrying, where the risk of accidental detonation needs to be minimized.

Safety

While blasting gelatin is more stable than nitroglycerin, it is still a powerful explosive and must be handled with care. It should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from heat and flame. It should also be handled with care to avoid causing an accidental detonation.

See also

• Dynamite
• Explosive material
• Alfred Nobel