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submitted 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) by fossilesque@mander.xyz to c/science_memes@mander.xyz
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[-] Karyoplasma@discuss.tchncs.de 36 points 2 days ago

This is inaccurate. Graphite is not flammable. It forms small particles that, mixed with air, could combust in a dust explosion, just like flour.

[-] Aurenkin@sh.itjust.works 27 points 2 days ago

I'm probably just being dense but what's the difference between being flammable and being susceptible to combustion?

[-] Skua@kbin.earth 22 points 2 days ago

In technical safety terms, combustibles are harder to ignite than flammables. So diesel and olive oil are combustibles, for example, because neither of them give off enough ignitable vapour at room temperature. Ethanol does, so it gets classified as flammable, and you need to store and handle it more carefully than diesel. Then there's really horrible stuff like triethylborane which will catch fire upon meeting oxygen even at temperatures well below the freezing point of water

Of course in casual usage they mean the same thing

[-] disguy_ovahea@lemmy.world 19 points 2 days ago

They’re referring to the relationship between surface area and combustion. Talc, for example, melts but does not burn. Talc powder can ignite if blown over an open flame.

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[-] Karyoplasma@discuss.tchncs.de 16 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

You're not dense for asking a question. Without asking questions, it's Impossible to learn.

The flash point is different. The flash point is the temperature that is necessary to create enough vapor for the substance to ignite.

Flammable material has a low flash point, which means it catches on fire easily. Think gasoline. Combustibles need a higher initial temperature, but eventually they will burn and sustain the burning until running out. Think wood.

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this post was submitted on 14 Apr 2025
1417 points (97.6% liked)

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