Potassium nitrate, also known as saltpeter, is a chemical compound composed of oxygen, nitrogen and potassium, according to the ScienceJRank.com website. This chemical occurs in nature in rich organic soils in caves, and in sea beds in Europe. Today, most potassium nitrate is mined in California. Potassium nitrate has several important manufacturing and industrial applications.
Gunpowder
The use of potassium nitrate in gunpowder dates back more than 1,000 years, when the Chinese used it in bombs and grenades, according to the ScienceJRank.org. Gunpower is made my combining 75 percent potassium nitrate with 10 percent sulfur and 15 percent carbon in the form of charcoal. The use of gunpowder has diminished over the past 100 years because the mixture quickly builds up a residue on gun bores, and because ignition of the mixture produces a thick cloud of white smoke.
Cigarette Production
Potassium nitrate is widely used in the cigarette manufacturing industry as a tobacco additive, according to the Kicking Butts 4 Life website. It is one of over 100 chemicals commonly found in commercial cigarettes in the United States. The primary use of potassium nitrate in cigarettes is as an oxidizer--the compound helps keep the cigarette lit when the smoker is not drawing on it. It also helps maintain a more consistent burn.
Toothpaste Additive
Potassium nitrate is added to some brands of toothpaste, according to the SciToys.com website. Its primary function in toothpastes is as a desensitizer. Receding gums expose areas of the teeth that are particularly sensitive to heat and cold, which can cause pain when consuming hot or iced beverages. Potassium nitrate helps block the transmission of pain signals from the nerves in the teeth to the brain, helping to reduce dental pain.
Other Uses
Potassium nitrate is sometimes used as a meat preservative and colorizer. It is also an ingredient in some agricultural fertilizer mixtures, and can be used in removing tree stumps by speeding the decay of the wood fibers. Potassium nitrate is found in some analgesics, and may help relieve back and joint pain.
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