What Bar Snack Is Used in Dynamite Production?

Peanuts are a key ingredient in the making of dynamite.

That bowl of nuts on the bar is used for more than just snacking. Peanut oil, which is made from peanuts, is an active ingredient in the production of dynamite.

History

After a factory explosion killed his younger brouther in 1864, Alfred Nobel sought a way to safely handle nitroglycerine. He invented dynamite in 1866 and patented his creation in 1867. Dynamite is actually the packaging of nitroglycerin, a highly explosive liquid. In 1866, Nobel realized that mixing nitroglycerin with diatomaceous earth stabilized the explosive by actually soaking it up and therefore reducing its volatility. He named the product dynamite which is derived from the Greek "dynamis" meaning powder.

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is a key ingredient in glycerol, which is in turn used to make nitroglycerine. Peanuts are crushed and left to sit overnight. The oil that rises to the top is peanut oil.

Glycerine

Glycerine, or glycerol, is a thick and sticky liquid that is used to make soap, cream and food. Glycerine is made of peanut oil and is one of the key ingredients in nitroglycerine. Glycerol is not explosive by itself. It has to be turned into nitroglycerine before it becomes explosive, so it is safe for use in kitchen products such as soap.

References

• Our Home Remedy: Peanuts as Your Dynamite!
• Web Chron: Alfred Nobel Invents Dynamite
• The Great Idea Finder: Alfred Nobel