Cordite

Cordite was a solid propellant used in various grades by the Royal Navy from 1889, replacing brown powder propellant. It has received a somewhat poor reputation, being widely held responsible for the loss of a number of warships owing to catastrophic magazine explosions.

History

Cordite Mark I
Ingredient.	Percentage.
Nitroglycerin	58%
Nitrocellulose (Nitrogen)	37% (13.1%)
Petroleum Jelly	5%

Cordite Mark I began to be manufactured in 1889. It was first distributed to the Fleet in 1893 as propellant for 6-inch, 4.7-inch, 6-pdr, and 3-pdr Q.F. guns.