General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThe cornstarch replacement for talc is one of the most
volatile powered grains. Can cause explosions. Also under certain conditions it can host bacteria and fungi. I demonstrated to my wife how cornstarch blown into an open flame resembled a blow torch.
Brother Buzz
(36,463 posts)obamanut2012
(26,137 posts)Sneederbunk
(14,300 posts)NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)whistler162
(11,155 posts)Hortensis
(58,785 posts)bags of it in farm supply stores here in Georgia, right alongside the ammonium nitrate. Blew my mind first time I saw it!
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)ProfessorGAC
(65,168 posts)The exceptions are powders that are carbon free or very low in organic compounds.
All grains consist preponderantly of carbon compounds.
One of the worst powder explosions was at Georgia Sugar. After that powder cloud blast, only about 40% of the plant was standing.
And if you think cornstarch will flare, try cover creamer powder. Shazam!
Aristus
(66,462 posts)or juice up a fire. I heard the peanut butter was highly flammable, too. But we never tried to find out.
ProfessorGAC
(65,168 posts)I know I'm picking a technical not, here.
Peanut oil is combustible, in the same was edible (so to speak) candles are. They're made of animal fats, (or the derived fatty acids) or the equivalent from hydrogenated vegetable oils.
So, definitely peanut butter will burn.
Activation energy is high though, so a stray spark is not going to make it flame.
Aristus
(66,462 posts)jberryhill
(62,444 posts)Wow.
I demonstrated a bazooka to my wife once, but she managed to swerve the car just in the nick of time.
Ill have to get me some corn starch.
dewsgirl
(14,961 posts)jberryhill
(62,444 posts)dewsgirl
(14,961 posts)Codeine
(25,586 posts)only outlaws will have smooth, thick sauces.
madinmaryland
(64,933 posts)Now Im hungry.
ProfessorGAC
(65,168 posts)...then I understand.
But, cornstarch is not really any more conflagrating than flour, coffee creamer, espresso ground coffee, etc.
And the danger is really caused by densely dispersing it as a cloud.
It's not to be confused with a true explosive.
Having a gas can for the mower in your garage is a far greater danger.