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KALLENITE.A correspondent in the Qntentlander talks of a new explosive (4I Kallenite”) discovered by Mr. A. Fraser, of Sydney, and now to be manufactured extensively by a company formed for that purpose. Kalleuite is made from nitrated gum leaves aud nitro-glyoerine.The singular fact in its history is that uo one suspected that the gum leaves of Australia had an explosive element in the n. As a matter of fact, guin leaves are, in a prepared form, a high-grade explosive. Of leaves wo have a great variety to choose from. Blue* gum (Eucalyptus globulus) is, however, the leaf preferred in the manufacture of kal-lenitt*, and if *he supply gives out (a contingency it is impossible to imagine) the leal of tho tea-tree (of which in Australia there is an abundant supply) will do as well. But blue-guin, because of the presence of an exceedingly volatile aud inllammable spirit, is con' siderably stronger than tea-tree.The leaves are first treated to a thirty-uiinute bath in mixed nitric and su’phuric acids, and reduced to a pulp. This process is called “nitration,” aud the subsequent stages, most of which are kept secret, are similar to those gun cotton is subjected to. The pulverised leaves, now beyond rccogni tion, are washed and purified by further chemical processes and combined wiih nitro glycerine, which, of course, increases its combustibility enormously. But the nitated gum leaf without the addition of nitro-glycerine is claimed to be the best 3mokeless powder yet discovered and is suitable for military and sporting purposes.The volatile spirit of the Eucalyptus leaf, the oil commonly used as a remedy for colds, influenza, sore throat (fee., is itself a supporter of explosion. No attempt is made to extract this oil. On the contrary, it is imprisoned, and although the ordeal through which the leaves pass is a trying one, nearly all the oil is retained. A strong eucalyptus odour clings to the plugs made for blasting purposes. Another important feature of the nitrated leaf, that is to say, the pulp, is its great power of absorption. It is said that it will hold 90 per cent of nitro glycerine, but 40 to 60 per cent is a sufficient quantity. No. 1 kallentite contains 60 per cent. » No. I dynamite 40 per cent. But the pulp which is one of the bases of kallentite is as stated, an explosive itself. When, therefore, it is associated, by absorption, with nitroglycerine it aids explosion, and the whole charge is energetic. The base of dynamite is an infusorial earth, consisting of decomposed marine plants called 44 kieselguhr.” It is a good absorbent, but contains no explosive elements, and therefore cannot assist the nitro-glyoerme in its work. Dynamite, consequently, is not so active as kallenite.
Newspaper Details
Albury Banner and Wodonga Express
Albury, New South Wales, AU
Fri, Apr 13, 1900
Page 16
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
USA 21 Mar 2024
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