Does black powder (gunpowder) explode under pressure?

HYPOTHETICALLY, If someone was putting black powder into a small container (made out of hard plastic), filled it up, and put an end cap (plastic also) onto it, could it explode from the pressure of putting the end cap on?





The end cap would be put on by putting the two pieces in a vice.





If it would ignite, would wrapping the black powder in paper prevent this?





If it would not ignite, how much pressure would be required to ignite it?





Thanks for all your help, I'm doing a paper on black powder.Does black powder (gunpowder) explode under pressure?
Very doubtful. There may be a very small increase in temperature due to rise in pressure, but it shouldn't be nearly enough to cause the powder to ignite. Now if you slammed the end cap on very quickly then the chances increase. I don't think paper would prevent anything. You may want to check out ';fire pistons'; here: http://www.firepiston.com/ Disclaimer - I don't recommend anyone try this. I may be completely wrong. ;-)