Lycopodium powder
Lycopodium spores are the several types of club moss, Lycopodium clavatum especially. Other designations are witches flour, Snake moss, forest dust, lycopodium, Alps flour, Erdschwefel, flash powder, witches herb Drudenkraut, devils claw.
Use
Use in pyrotechnics
Lycopodium were used to produce pyrotechnic effects since the Middle Ages. They also contain, in addition about 50 % oil also valuable proteins. Therefore, they are even eaten in some countries. Today, the powder is used mainly in fire-eaters and for the production of explosion and fire effects in the show and movie area use.
An effect achieved here only by the powder first finely atomized and then ignited (so-called dust explosion). On an old and traditional, one uses a blower or a blowpipe for swirling the dust particles in the air. Moreover, Lycopodium (in the case show, especially in concert effects ) (mostly still black powder ) thrown through a tube ( mortar, in other pyrotechnic effects ) often also by a propellant charge and inflamed. The result is up to 10 m high explosive flames.
In the Middle Ages Lycopodium were an integral part of magical rituals and magic. Even then, one knew about the bright flames that arises when one throws Lycopodium in a fire source.
In rural areas, food and chimneys were freed from soot by means of ignition of Bärlappkraut by the resulting dust explosion. The adverse side effect was sometimes that of overdose and the chimney could be damaged. Under certain circumstances, thereby burnt down not only the soot, but also the house.
The temperature of the flame produced by the combustion of the spores can be classified as relatively low.
The Lycopodium, which is obtained from the spore capsules of Bärlapps is slightly yellowish, odorless and tasteless. It has, especially when used for fire breathing, positive property to reabsorb moisture extremely poor. It is generally harmless to health. Asthmatics and allergy sufferers is by inhalation but not recommended.
To date, it has not been able to produce a product with similar characteristics synthetically.
Using pure oxygen, there is an increased risk of explosion.
Use in the pharmaceutical galenic
Lycopodium were used as the release agent by pharmacists in the preparation of the pharmaceutical form " pills " to prevent sticking.
Use in microscopy
It uses both the very constant grain weight and the very constant dimensions (30 / - 2 microns ) of Lycopodiumsporen to align them with to be examined objects. Since both dimensions and grain weight of the spores are known, can be achieved by mixing a sample in the visual field of the microscope characterize.
Use in restoration crafts
Lycopodium also be used in restoration crafts, where they mingled give a spatula with chalk and isinglass. The spores in this case serve as a low- weight filler which also affects the elastic properties of the spatula positive.
Use in forensics
With the help of the spores of Lycopodium can be in forensics fingerprints visible. Today, typically there are other substances available.
Use in physics experiment
Lycopodium are hydrophobic. Sparingly sprinkled on the surface of water, they spread well, so spread evenly through the surface tension of water. Even a trace of soap or detergent applied (surfactant) tearing through the spreading lowering the surface tension of a visible hole in the Lycopodium layer.
A classic school experiment is to stick a finger in the water, on so there is a layer. The finger is not wet after being pulled out.
In another experiment of chemistry and physics, the Lycopodium be used in determining the size of an atom ( see Oil stain test).
Colored dust fine Lycopodium were used in the experiments, the inventor of xerography, Chester F. Carlson along with his assistant Otto Korney. After sprinkling with Lycopodium spores powder particles adhered only to the electrically charged surfaces of a part covered with sulfur plate.
Use as " wind indicator "
Scattered in the air can Lycopodium even the slightest air currents are made visible (eg while stand hunting ).