Effective components on explosive combustion characteristics of wood charcoals

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) 2020-04, Vol.197, p.117206, Article 117206
• Main Authors: Choi, Byungchul, Kim, Cheolho, Yang, Seongsu, Lee, Sejin, Kim, Moonyong, Byun, Sungchun, Jung, Gyeong-gap
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bark; Calcium; Calcium cyanurate; Charcoal; Combustion; Explosive combustion; Fireworks; Mulberry; Pine trees; Potassium; Potassium nitrate; Rods; Wood
• ISSN: 0360-5442; 1873-6785
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.117206

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%. •Effective components on explosive combustion of biomass charcoals was investigated.•Charcoal of mulberry bark contained Ca, K, P, Mg in addition to C, H, O, N, S.•The active components for explosive combustion were Ca3C6N6O6 and KNO3.•NO conversion of char-N in the mulberry bark charcoal was about 17.6%.