Wikiciv - User contributions [en]

Leather

2025-05-21T18:32:46Z

Figgity: /* Other */ fixed a mistake

[[File:Leather.jpg|thumb|Pile of leather]]

'''Leather''' is a strong, flexible and durable material obtained from the tanning, or chemical treatment, of animal skins and hides to prevent decay. The most common leathers come from cattle, sheep, goats, equine animals, buffalo, pigs and hogs, and aquatic animals such as seals and alligators. Leather can be used to make a variety of items, including clothing, footwear, handbags, furniture, tools and sports equipment, and lasts for decades. Leather making has been practiced for more than 7,000 years.

== Production ==
Tanning is the broad name for the process done to rawhide to convert it into usable leather that is resistant to decay and putrefaction.

=== Preparation ===
Before rawhide can be tanned, it must first be scraped and cleaned to remove all the hairs, and any remaining meat, fat, or connective tissue from the rawhide. Then they are cured to prevent putrefaction, either in a sealed vessel filled with salt for a 30 days, or agitated in a brine for 16 hours.

=== Beamhouse Operations ===
Beamhouse operations are the collective steps performed between preparation and tanning. In order, they are soaking, liming and scudding, deliming, and pickling

'''Soaking'''

First, soak the hide in water to wash any excess salt.

'''Liming'''

Next, soak the hide in [[Quicklime|slaked lime]]. The ratio should be (I couldn't find a ratio. I only saw a ratio of about 1 pound [[quicklime]] to 10 gallons water, but that's not a clean conversion). This is done to break down any leftover hairs or fats on the hide, as well as open up the collagen to better let in tannins. Any hairs remaining after liming are removed by scraping the hide with a dull knife in a process known as scudding.

'''Deliming'''

The hide is then soaked in a mixture of water, and an acid that can be rapid in their pH adjustment.

'''Pickling'''

Despite the name, this step has nothing to do with the food preservation process of the same name.

For the final step, the hide is soaked in a solution containing tannins for a period of two to three months, after which it is dried and ready for use.

=== Extracting Vegetable Tannins ===

== Plants with High Tannin Content ==

=== Hardwoods ===
Hardwoods are a significant source of natural tannins. Woods with high tannin content can be identified by typically having a darker brown coloration, as well as the signature bitter, astringent, drying taste, the same as in acorns. For all of these species, large amounts of tannins can be found in the wood, bark, and leaves.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Wood Species Name
!Wood Coloration
!Tannin Content
!Ext. Notes
|-
|Oak
|Light Brown
|
|
|-
|Chestnut
|Light Reddish-Brown
|
|
|-
|Quebracho
|Dark Reddish-Brown
|
|
|-
|Acacia
|Orange Brown
|
|
|}

=== Other ===
While most prominently in hardwood, tannins can be sourced from other plants as well.
{| class="wikitable"
!Other
!Tannin Content
!Ext. Notes
|-
|Pomegranite Peel
|
|
|-
|Tara Pod
|
|
|}

==See also==
<div style="column-count:2">
* [[Cotton]]
* [[Linen]]
* [[Nylon]]
* [[Silk]]
* [[Rawhide]]
* [[Raw material]]
* [[Wool]]
* [[Textiles]]
</div>

== References ==
{{wa|Leather}}

[[Category:Animal-derived raw materials]]
[[Category:Textiles]]
[[Category:Stubs]]

Leather

2025-05-21T18:31:55Z

Figgity: added section on plants and woods with tannin

[[File:Leather.jpg|thumb|Pile of leather]]

'''Leather''' is a strong, flexible and durable material obtained from the tanning, or chemical treatment, of animal skins and hides to prevent decay. The most common leathers come from cattle, sheep, goats, equine animals, buffalo, pigs and hogs, and aquatic animals such as seals and alligators. Leather can be used to make a variety of items, including clothing, footwear, handbags, furniture, tools and sports equipment, and lasts for decades. Leather making has been practiced for more than 7,000 years.

== Production ==
Tanning is the broad name for the process done to rawhide to convert it into usable leather that is resistant to decay and putrefaction.

=== Preparation ===
Before rawhide can be tanned, it must first be scraped and cleaned to remove all the hairs, and any remaining meat, fat, or connective tissue from the rawhide. Then they are cured to prevent putrefaction, either in a sealed vessel filled with salt for a 30 days, or agitated in a brine for 16 hours.

=== Beamhouse Operations ===
Beamhouse operations are the collective steps performed between preparation and tanning. In order, they are soaking, liming and scudding, deliming, and pickling

'''Soaking'''

First, soak the hide in water to wash any excess salt.

'''Liming'''

Next, soak the hide in [[Quicklime|slaked lime]]. The ratio should be (I couldn't find a ratio. I only saw a ratio of about 1 pound [[quicklime]] to 10 gallons water, but that's not a clean conversion). This is done to break down any leftover hairs or fats on the hide, as well as open up the collagen to better let in tannins. Any hairs remaining after liming are removed by scraping the hide with a dull knife in a process known as scudding.

'''Deliming'''

The hide is then soaked in a mixture of water, and an acid that can be rapid in their pH adjustment.

'''Pickling'''

Despite the name, this step has nothing to do with the food preservation process of the same name.

For the final step, the hide is soaked in a solution containing tannins for a period of two to three months, after which it is dried and ready for use.

=== Extracting Vegetable Tannins ===

== Plants with High Tannin Content ==

=== Hardwoods ===
Hardwoods are a significant source of natural tannins. Woods with high tannin content can be identified by typically having a darker brown coloration, as well as the signature bitter, astringent, drying taste, the same as in acorns. For all of these species, large amounts of tannins can be found in the wood, bark, and leaves.
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
|+
!Wood Species Name
!Wood Coloration
!Tannin Content
!Ext. Notes
|-
|Oak
|Light Brown
|
|
|-
|Chestnut
|Light Reddish-Brown
|
|
|-
|Quebracho
|Dark Reddish-Brown
|
|
|-
|Acacia
|Orange Brown
|
|
|}

=== Other ===
While most prominently in hardwood, tannins can be sourced from other plants as well.
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
!Other
!Tannin Content
!Ext. Notes
|-
|Pomegranite Peel
|
|
|-
|Tara Pod
|
|
|}

==See also==
<div style="column-count:2">
* [[Cotton]]
* [[Linen]]
* [[Nylon]]
* [[Silk]]
* [[Rawhide]]
* [[Raw material]]
* [[Wool]]
* [[Textiles]]
</div>

== References ==
{{wa|Leather}}

[[Category:Animal-derived raw materials]]
[[Category:Textiles]]
[[Category:Stubs]]

Baking powder

2025-05-17T22:12:44Z

Figgity: removed redirect- they aren't the same (oopsie)

Baking powder

2025-05-17T22:10:38Z

Figgity: added redirect to baking soda

#REDIRECT [[Baking soda]]

Sodium bicarbonate

2025-05-17T22:10:06Z

Figgity: redirected to baking soda

#REDIRECT [[Baking soda]]

Potash

2025-05-17T22:09:12Z

Figgity: added a uses section

[[File:Campfire scar 08319.JPG|thumb|Wood ash from a campfire, a major source of potash.]]
Potassium carbonate, or potash, is a carbonate salt notable for its presence in wood ash and ease of extraction therefrom. Potash has several uses and is extremely simple to produce in large quantities even with the most basic of technology, this makes it a critical primitive chemical feedstock. It may be used to produce [[lye]] by a reaction with [[Quicklime|slaked lime]] (calcium hydroxide). It is a necessary compound for the production of [[saltpeter]] from organic material and may also be used in baking as a leavening agent.

== Prerequisites ==

* [[Fire]]
* [[Wood]]
* [[Pottery]]

== Production ==
Potash is extremely simple to make, in fact it doesn't require the use of any chemical reaction, only a simple extraction. All that is needed are a piece of cloth, two containers (one wider than the other), and a lot of water. First, cut a hole in the bottom of the wider container and stuff the cloth down in the bottom to act as a filter. Next, place the wider container over top of the other container, so that any liquid from the top drains into the bottom. Now, fill the top container with wood ash and begin pouring water through the wood ash. Continue this until the water changed from dark yellow to clear (or, light yellow if energy is being conserved). Now, all that needs to be done is boiling down the liquid. This should be done in a non-metallic container (glazed pottery, glass, etc.) as potash is mildly caustic. What is left will be relatively pure potash which can be used for any of the above mentioned processes. If higher purity is needed, potash may be recrystallized from [[methanol]] or [[ethanol]], but this is a very inconvenient process.

Hardwood ash tends to consist of about 10% potash, therefore, if one fully leaches their wood ash, they are likely to get 1 g of potash for every 10 g of wood ash. However, this is rather energy inefficient as it necessitates boiling off exponentially more water per amount of potash. This, combined with the fact that anyone rebuilding society is likely to have a massive surplus of wood ash from heating, cooking, metallurgy, etc. means that it is generally advisable to only seep out about half of that amount.

== Uses ==
Potash is an important starting point for a lot of useful chemicals, most notably [[lye]] and [[saltpeter]].

Additionally it will react with acids to produce carbon dioxide, so it can be used as a leavening agent much the same as [[baking soda]], with about a 2:1 conversion of potash to baking soda.

Leather

2025-05-17T21:57:59Z

Figgity: /* Production */ removed a weird bolding

[[File:Leather.jpg|thumb|Pile of leather]]

'''Leather''' is a strong, flexible and durable material obtained from the tanning, or chemical treatment, of animal skins and hides to prevent decay. The most common leathers come from cattle, sheep, goats, equine animals, buffalo, pigs and hogs, and aquatic animals such as seals and alligators. Leather can be used to make a variety of items, including clothing, footwear, handbags, furniture, tools and sports equipment, and lasts for decades. Leather making has been practiced for more than 7,000 years.

== Production ==
Tanning is the broad name for the process done to rawhide to convert it into usable leather that is resistant to decay and putrefaction.

=== Preparation ===
Before rawhide can be tanned, it must first be scraped and cleaned to remove all the hairs, and any remaining meat, fat, or connective tissue from the rawhide. Then they are cured to prevent putrefaction, either in a sealed vessel filled with salt for a 30 days, or agitated in a brine for 16 hours.

=== Beamhouse Operations ===
Beamhouse operations are the collective steps performed between preparation and tanning. In order, they are soaking, liming and scudding, deliming, and pickling

'''Soaking'''

First, soak the hide in water to wash any excess salt.

'''Liming'''

Next, soak the hide in [[Quicklime|slaked lime]]. The ratio should be (I couldn't find a ratio. I only saw a ratio of about 1 pound [[quicklime]] to 10 gallons water, but that's not a clean conversion). This is done to break down any leftover hairs or fats on the hide, as well as open up the collagen to better let in tannins. Any hairs remaining after liming are removed by scraping the hide with a dull knife in a process known as scudding.

'''Deliming'''

The hide is then soaked in a mixture of water, and an acid that can be rapid in their pH adjustment.

'''Pickling'''

Despite the name, this step has nothing to do with the food preservation process of the same name.

For the final step, the hide is soaked in a solution containing tannins for a period of two to three months, after which it is dried and ready for use.

=== Extracting Vegetable Tannins ===

==See also==
<div style="column-count:2">
* [[Cotton]]
* [[Linen]]
* [[Nylon]]
* [[Silk]]
* [[Rawhide]]
* [[Raw material]]
* [[Wool]]
* [[Textiles]]
</div>

== References ==
{{wa|Leather}}

[[Category:Animal-derived raw materials]]
[[Category:Textiles]]
[[Category:Stubs]]

Potassium carbonate

2025-05-17T21:53:42Z

Figgity: made redirect to potash

#REDIRECT [[Potash]]

Potassium carbonate

2025-05-17T21:53:18Z

Figgity: Created blank page

Potassium hydroxide

2025-05-17T21:52:50Z

Figgity: made redirect to lye

#REDIRECT [[Lye]]

Potassium hydroxide

2025-05-17T21:52:07Z

Figgity: Created blank page

Saltpeter

2025-05-17T21:50:42Z

Figgity: fixed a potash link

[[File:Potassium nitrate structure.svg|thumb|2D structure of saltpeter.]]
[[File:Dusičnan draselný.PNG|thumb|Potassium nitrate sample]]
[[File:Niter from Tarapaca, Chile.jpg|thumb|a piece of niter collected in Tarapaca, Chile]]
'''Potassium nitrate''', also known as '''saltpeter''', is a [[Chemical compounds|chemical compound]] with the chemical formula KNO3. It is an ionic salt of potassium ions K+ and nitrate ions NO3−, and is therefore an alkali metal nitrate. It is a source of [[nitrogen]] and it occurs in nature as a mineral, niter.

== Production ==

=== Mineral Sources ===
Saltpeter minerals can be found in collected mineral deposits, and purified into usable saltpeter

=== Potassium Hydroxide & Ammonium Nitrate ===

=== Potassium Hydroxide & Nitric Acid ===
[[Lye|Potassium hydroxide]] or [[Potash|potassium carbonate]] can be used to neutralize [[nitric acid]], producing aqueous potassium nitrate in the reactions shown below. Be sure to perform the reactions slowly and/or with temperature control, as they are highly exothermic.

KOH + HNO3 → KNO3 + H2O

K2CO3 + 2 HNO3 → 2 KNO3 + H2O + CO2

=== Bacterial Oxidation ===
Certain strains of aerobic bacteria are capable of oxidizing some nitrogen-containing molecules to nitrates. [[Urea]] (found in urine) and [[ammonia]] are common biological sources of oxidizable nitrogen. Historically, potassium nitrate was produced on scale in [[Niter bed|niter beds]] by using naturally occurring bacteria to oxidize nitrogen-rich animal waste into nitrates which were then recovered through [[solvent extraction]] and [[recrystallization]] with water and hardwood [[Wood ash|ash]]. Bacterial oxidation is the primary mechanism which forms natural deposits.

=== Bat Guano ===
Bat guano is often rich in nitrates due to the bat's diet and bacterial oxidation. Nitrate can be extracted from bat guano in a similar manner to niter bed material.

== Uses ==
Major uses of potassium nitrate are in [[fertilizer]]s, tree stump removal, rocket propellants and fireworks, and it is one of the major components of [[Black powder|gunpowder]].

== Dependencies ==

* [[Potassium]]
* [[Nitrogen]]
* [[Oxygen]]
** '''Potassium nitrate'''
*** [[Gunpowder]]

== See also ==
* [[Fertilizer]]
* [[Chemical compounds]]

== References ==
{{wa|Potassium_nitrate}}
{{wa|Niter}}

[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
[[Category:Stubs]]

Saltpeter

2025-05-10T00:23:53Z

Figgity: fixed link to potassium hydroxide

[[File:Potassium nitrate structure.svg|thumb|2D structure of saltpeter.]]
[[File:Dusičnan draselný.PNG|thumb|Potassium nitrate sample]]
[[File:Niter from Tarapaca, Chile.jpg|thumb|a piece of niter collected in Tarapaca, Chile]]
'''Potassium nitrate''', also known as '''saltpeter''', is a [[Chemical compounds|chemical compound]] with the chemical formula KNO3. It is an ionic salt of potassium ions K+ and nitrate ions NO3−, and is therefore an alkali metal nitrate. It is a source of [[nitrogen]] and it occurs in nature as a mineral, niter.

== Production ==

=== Mineral Sources ===
Saltpeter minerals can be found in collected mineral deposits, and purified into usable saltpeter

=== Potassium Hydroxide & Ammonium Nitrate ===

=== Potassium Hydroxide & Nitric Acid ===
[[Lye|Potassium hydroxide]] or [[potassium carbonate]] can be used to neutralize [[nitric acid]], producing aqueous potassium nitrate in the reactions shown below. Be sure to perform the reactions slowly and/or with temperature control, as it is highly exothermic.

KOH + HNO3 → KNO3 + H2O

K2CO3 + 2 HNO3 → 2 KNO3 + H2O + CO2

=== Bacterial Oxidation ===
Certain strains of aerobic bacteria are capable of oxidizing some nitrogen-containing molecules to nitrates. [[Urea]] (found in urine) and [[ammonia]] are common biological sources of oxidizable nitrogen. Historically, potassium nitrate was produced on scale in [[Niter bed|niter beds]] by using naturally occurring bacteria to oxidize nitrogen-rich animal waste into nitrates which were then recovered through [[solvent extraction]] and [[recrystallization]] with water and hardwood [[Wood ash|ash]]. Bacterial oxidation is the primary mechanism which forms natural deposits.

=== Bat Guano ===
Bat guano is often rich in nitrates due to the bat's diet and bacterial oxidation. Nitrate can be extracted from bat guano in a similar manner to niter bed material.

== Uses ==
Major uses of potassium nitrate are in [[fertilizer]]s, tree stump removal, rocket propellants and fireworks, and it is one of the major components of [[Black powder|gunpowder]].

== Dependencies ==

* [[Potassium]]
* [[Nitrogen]]
* [[Oxygen]]
** '''Potassium nitrate'''
*** [[Gunpowder]]

== See also ==
* [[Fertilizer]]
* [[Chemical compounds]]

== References ==
{{wa|Potassium_nitrate}}
{{wa|Niter}}

[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
[[Category:Stubs]]

Saltpeter

2025-05-09T02:30:02Z

Figgity: added some stuff on production methods, and an image of raw niter

Potash

2025-05-09T02:11:49Z

Figgity:

Leather

2025-05-09T02:08:52Z

Figgity: added a note about scudding

[[File:Leather.jpg|thumb|Pile of leather]]

'''Leather''' is a strong, flexible and durable material obtained from the tanning, or chemical treatment, of animal skins and hides to prevent decay. The most common leathers come from cattle, sheep, goats, equine animals, buffalo, pigs and hogs, and aquatic animals such as seals and alligators. Leather can be used to make a variety of items, including clothing, footwear, handbags, furniture, tools and sports equipment, and lasts for decades. Leather making has been practiced for more than 7,000 years.

== Production ==
Tanning is the broad name for the process done to rawhide to convert it into usable leather that is resistant to decay and putrefaction.

=== '''Preparation''' ===
Before rawhide can be tanned, it must first be scraped and cleaned to remove all the hairs, and any remaining meat, fat, or connective tissue from the rawhide. Then they are cured to prevent putrefaction, either in a sealed vessel filled with salt for a 30 days, or agitated in a brine for 16 hours.

=== Beamhouse Operations ===
Beamhouse operations are the collective steps performed between preparation and tanning. In order, they are soaking, liming and scudding, deliming, and pickling

'''Soaking'''

First, soak the hide in water to wash any excess salt.

'''Liming'''

Next, soak the hide in [[Quicklime|slaked lime]]. The ratio should be (I couldn't find a ratio. I only saw a ratio of about 1 pound [[quicklime]] to 10 gallons water, but that's not a clean conversion). This is done to break down any leftover hairs or fats on the hide, as well as open up the collagen to better let in tannins. Any hairs remaining after liming are removed by scraping the hide with a dull knife in a process known as scudding.

'''Deliming'''

The hide is then soaked in a mixture of water, and an acid that can be rapid in their pH adjustment.

'''Pickling'''

Despite the name, this step has nothing to do with the food preservation process of the same name.

For the final step, the hide is soaked in a solution containing tannins for a period of two to three months, after which it is dried and ready for use.

=== Extracting Vegetable Tannins ===

==See also==
<div style="column-count:2">
* [[Cotton]]
* [[Linen]]
* [[Nylon]]
* [[Silk]]
* [[Rawhide]]
* [[Raw material]]
* [[Wool]]
* [[Textiles]]
</div>

== References ==
{{wa|Leather}}

[[Category:Animal-derived raw materials]]
[[Category:Textiles]]
[[Category:Stubs]]

Leather

2025-05-09T02:06:59Z

Figgity: added a lot more about how leather is made

[[File:Leather.jpg|thumb|Pile of leather]]

'''Leather''' is a strong, flexible and durable material obtained from the tanning, or chemical treatment, of animal skins and hides to prevent decay. The most common leathers come from cattle, sheep, goats, equine animals, buffalo, pigs and hogs, and aquatic animals such as seals and alligators. Leather can be used to make a variety of items, including clothing, footwear, handbags, furniture, tools and sports equipment, and lasts for decades. Leather making has been practiced for more than 7,000 years.

== Production ==
Tanning is the broad name for the process done to rawhide to convert it into usable leather that is resistant to decay and putrefaction.

=== '''Preparation''' ===
Before rawhide can be tanned, it must first be scraped and cleaned to remove all the hairs, and any remaining meat, fat, or connective tissue from the rawhide. Then they are cured to prevent putrefaction, either in a sealed vessel filled with salt for a 30 days, or agitated in a brine for 16 hours.

=== Beamhouse Operations ===
Beamhouse operations are the collective steps performed between preparation and tanning. In order, they are soaking, liming, unhairing, scudding and fleshing, deliming, bating / putering, drenching, and pickling

'''Soaking'''

First, soak the hide in water to wash any excess salt.

'''Liming'''

Next, soak the hide in [[Quicklime|slaked lime]]. The ratio should be (I couldn't find a ratio. I only saw a ratio of about 1 pound quicklime to 10 gallons water, but that's not a clean conversion). This is done to break down any leftover hairs or fats on the hide, as well as open up the collagen to better let in tannins.

'''Deliming'''

The hide is then soaked in a mixture of water, and an acid that can be rapid in their pH adjustment.

'''Pickling'''

Despite the name, this step has nothing to do with the food preservation process of the same name.

For the final step, the hide is soaked in a solution containing tannins for a period of two to three months, after which it is dried and ready for use.

=== Extracting Vegetable Tannins ===

==See also==
<div style="column-count:2">
* [[Cotton]]
* [[Linen]]
* [[Nylon]]
* [[Silk]]
* [[Rawhide]]
* [[Raw material]]
* [[Wool]]
* [[Textiles]]
</div>

== References ==
{{wa|Leather}}

[[Category:Animal-derived raw materials]]
[[Category:Textiles]]
[[Category:Stubs]]

Quicklime

2025-05-09T01:18:41Z

Figgity: /* Uses */ fixed a capitalization mistake

'''Quicklime''' is a [[calcium]]-containing inorganic material composed primarily of oxides, and hydroxide, usually calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide. Quicklime is also referred to as lime, unslaked lime, or burnt lime.

Pure quicklime is a white, caustic, alkaline powder composed of calcium oxide.

== Uses ==
Quicklime is a thermal decomposition of [[lime]], and is used to make building materials such as mortar or primitive concretes, as well as in the production of [[lye]].

Quicklime can also be added to water to make limewater, or slaked lime.

== Production Methods ==
Quicklime (or calcium oxide) is produced by the thermal decomposition of [[lime]] at temperatures of between 850 and 1200°C. This can be achieved by placing a source of powdered calcium carbonate such as pulverized limestone or seashells into a simple wood fire for a period of about 1 hour. The resulting lime should be use promptly as it reacts with CO2 from the atmosphere to reform calcium carbonate.

== Dependencies ==

* [[Calcium]]
** [[Lime]]
*** '''Quicklime'''
**** [[Lime concrete]]
**** [[Lime mortar]]
**** [[Limestone]]

== See also ==

* [[Lime concrete]]
* [[Lime mortar]]
* [[Limestone]]
* [[Kiln]]

== References ==
{{wa|Lime_(material)}}

Lye

2025-05-09T01:17:36Z

Figgity: /* Production */ added blurbs on how potassium hydroxide can be used to make saltpeter

Lye is the common name of a caustic hydroxide base, either sodium hydroxide ([[Soda Ash|soda]] lye) or potassium hydroxide ([[potash]] lye). It's most commonly used for making [[soap]] by mixing lye with fats, but can also be used to cure and tenderize foods in small amounts. Sodium hydroxide may additionally be used in the production of paper, and water treatment. Potassium hydroxide can be used to produce [[saltpeter]].

== Prerequisites ==
''From alkali carbonates''

* [[Potash]] or [[Soda Ash|soda ash]]
* [[Quicklime]]
* [[Fire]] (as heat source)
* [[Pottery]]

''From alkali chlorides (e.g., salt)''

* [[Salt]]
* [[Electricity]]
* [[Iron]]
* [[Carbon]] electrodes
* [[Mercury]]

== Production ==

=== Production from Alkali Carbonates ===
Potash lye is generally easier to produce using primitive methods than soda lye, as [[potash]] (K2CO3) is much easier to procure than [[Soda Ash|soda ash]] (Na2CO3), the latter of which requires the use of the ash from certain coastal plants, whereas former merely needs wood ash.

The general procedure is as follows, first prepare a solution of slaked lime by adding [[quicklime]] to water, 2 parts by weight of quicklime for potash, 1 part by weight for soda ash. Do this slowly as the reaction is very exothermic. Next, simply add your carbonate of choice into the solution, either 5 parts by weight of potash or 2 parts by weight of soda lime. Then the solution can be carefully boiled down in a non-metallic container (a solution of hot lye will easily eat through most metals, and will easily eat through flesh), leaving relatively pure lye. This can be recrystallized if higher purity is needed.

Two reactions have occurred in this process. First, the slaking of quicklime to produce slaked lime:

: CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2

Then, the double displacement of the carbonate with the slaked lime to produce lye and limestone:

: K2CO3 + Ca(OH)2 → 2 KOH + CaCO3

or,

: Na2CO3 + Ca(OH)2 → 2 NaOH + CaCO3

=== Production from Alkali Chlorides ===
[[File:HgNaOHElectrolysis.png|thumb|A diagram of a Castner–Kellner cell.]]
Once an abundant source of [[electricity]] has been procured, the alkali carbonate process becomes far too inefficient to be considered worthwhile. The next step in technology is therefore producing lye using the chloralkali process, which is to say, using electrolysis to turn salt into lye. Seeing as sodium chloride is by far the most abundant soluble salt on the planet, this means that rather than potash lye being the most efficient to produce, now soda lye is the most efficient.

The lowest tech version of the chloralkali process is the Castner-Kellner process, wherein a thin layer of mercury is used to separate the different sections of the cell (preventing the formation of [[Bleach|sodium hypochlorite]]), while permitting the movement of sodium ions. This is a result of mercury's ability to form an alloy with sodium.

The adjacent image shows the cross-section of a Castner-Kellner cell.<blockquote>The carbon anodes (''A'', ''A'') pass into the outer compartments which contain brine, and the iron cathodes into the middle compartment which contains sodium hydroxide solution. When the current passes, chlorine is evolved at the anodes and flows out through pipes (not shown), and sodium is produced on the surface of the mercury (''M'') which covers the floor of the whole apparatus. The sodium forms an amalgam with the mercury, and by rocking the apparatus on the device, ''B'', ''B'', the sodium amalgam flows into the compartment, ''D'', where the sodium is liberated by the action of the electric current, which passes between the cathode and the amalgam. The sodium reacts with the water forming hydrogen, which passes off through pipes (not shown) and sodium hydroxide, which flows into a special tank. Both the chlorine and sodium hydroxide are nearly pure.<ref>Newell, Lyman Churchill (1903). ''[https://archive.org/details/descriptivechemi00newerich Descriptive Chemistry].''</ref></blockquote>

== Uses ==
Lye is a powerful base, particularly useful in the production of [[soap]]. Soda lye in particular may also be used in the production of [[paper]] from wood, via soda pulping.

Potash lye can be used to neutralize nitric acid and create [[saltpeter]].

== Dependencies ==

* '''Lye'''
** [[Soap]]

== See also ==

* [[Soap]]

Lye

2025-05-08T18:18:23Z

Figgity: added missing links

Lye is the common name of a caustic hydroxide base, either sodium hydroxide ([[Soda Ash|soda]] lye) or potassium hydroxide ([[potash]] lye). It's most commonly used for making [[soap]] by mixing lye with fats, but can also be used to cure and tenderize foods in small amounts. Sodium hydroxide may additionally be used in the production of paper, and water treatment.
== Production ==

=== Production from Alkali Carbonates ===
Potash lye is generally easier to produce using primitive methods than soda lye, as [[potash]] (K2CO3) is much easier to procure than [[Soda Ash|soda ash]] (Na2CO3), the latter of which requires the use of the ash from certain coastal plants, whereas former merely needs wood ash.

The general procedure is as follows, first prepare a solution of slaked lime by adding [[quicklime]] to water, 2 parts by weight of quicklime for potash, 1 part by weight for soda ash. Do this slowly as the reaction is very exothermic. Next, simply add your carbonate of choice into the solution, either 5 parts by weight of potash or 2 parts by weight of soda lime. Then the solution can be carefully boiled down in a non-metallic container (a solution of hot lye will easily eat through most metals, and will easily eat through flesh), leaving relatively pure lye. This can be recrystallized if higher purity is needed.

Two reactions have occurred in this process. First, the slaking of quicklime to produce slaked lime:

: CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2

Then, the double displacement of the carbonate with the slaked lime to produce lye and limestone:

: K2CO3 + Ca(OH)2 → 2 KOH + CaCO3

or,

: Na2CO3 + Ca(OH)2 → 2 NaOH + CaCO3

=== Production from Alkali Chlorides ===
[[File:HgNaOHElectrolysis.png|thumb|A diagram of a Castner–Kellner cell.]]
Once an abundant source of [[electricity]] has been procured, the alkali carbonate process becomes far too inefficient to be considered worthwhile. The next step in technology is therefore producing lye using the chloralkali process, which is to say, using electrolysis to turn salt into lye. Seeing as sodium chloride is by far the most abundant soluble salt on the planet, this means that rather than potash lye being the most efficient to produce, now soda lye is the most efficient.

The lowest tech version of the chloralkali process is the Castner-Kellner process, wherein a thin layer of mercury is used to separate the different sections of the cell (preventing the formation of [[Bleach|sodium hypochlorite]]), while permitting the movement of sodium ions. This is a result of mercury's ability to form an alloy with sodium.

The adjacent image shows the cross-section of a Castner-Kellner cell.<blockquote>The carbon anodes (''A'', ''A'') pass into the outer compartments which contain brine, and the iron cathodes into the middle compartment which contains sodium hydroxide solution. When the current passes, chlorine is evolved at the anodes and flows out through pipes (not shown), and sodium is produced on the surface of the mercury (''M'') which covers the floor of the whole apparatus. The sodium forms an amalgam with the mercury, and by rocking the apparatus on the device, ''B'', ''B'', the sodium amalgam flows into the compartment, ''D'', where the sodium is liberated by the action of the electric current, which passes between the cathode and the amalgam. The sodium reacts with the water forming hydrogen, which passes off through pipes (not shown) and sodium hydroxide, which flows into a special tank. Both the chlorine and sodium hydroxide are nearly pure.<ref>Newell, Lyman Churchill (1903). ''[https://archive.org/details/descriptivechemi00newerich Descriptive Chemistry].''</ref></blockquote>

== Uses ==
Lye is a powerful base, particularly useful in the production of [[soap]]. Soda lye in particular may also be used in the production of [[paper]] from wood, via soda pulping.

== Dependencies ==

* '''Lye'''
** [[Soap]]

== See also ==

* [[Soap]]

Soda Ash

2025-05-07T21:42:55Z

Figgity: added image and reference to trona

Soda ash is an inorganic compound comprised mostly of sodium carbonate. It is used in the production of [[lye]] to make [[soap]], as well as in making [[baking soda]] (sodium bicarbonate).
[[File:Trona(small).jpg|thumb|Trona, a mineral composed primarily of sodium carbonate]]

== Materials needed ==

* A salt-tolerant '''plant''' as glassworts, saltworts, or kelp
* '''[[Fire]]'''

== Crafting instructions ==
Soda ash can be obtained by burning any 'halophyte' (salt tolerant) plant, leaching the ashes, and boiling off the resulting liquid.

The reason soda ash can be extracted from halophyte ashes in this manner is due to sodium carbonate being soluble in water where most other products of halophyte ashes are not.

== Viable halophytes ==

== Uses ==
Soda ash is useful in several chemical and daily uses. It's an effective flux for glassmaking, can be used to tenderize meat in cooking, and simply used to produce chemicals such as sodium bicarbonate.

== References ==
{{wa|Trona}}

Baking soda

2025-05-07T21:41:07Z

Figgity:

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a slightly salty inorganic compound. It's most commonly used in food, as well as for cleaning.

== Materials needed ==

* [[Soda Ash]]
* Carbonated Water

== Crafting instructions ==
Baking soda can most easily be made by simply dissolving soda ash (sodium carbonate) in carbonated water. The carbonated water dissolves and carbonates the soda ash, creating baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).

== Uses ==
'''Leavening Agent'''

When added to dough that contains an acid, baking soda will create gas causing the dough to expand.

'''Cleaning'''

Baking soda can be used to remove paint and corrosion from metals.

'''Medical'''

Baking soda is a mild antiseptic when mixed with water, and can be used to keep teeth and gums clean.

== See also ==

* [[Soda Ash]]

Baking soda

2025-05-07T21:39:39Z

Figgity: added image and reference to trona

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a slightly salty inorganic compound. It's most commonly used in food, as well as for cleaning.

[[File:Trona(small).jpg|thumb|Trona, a mineral composed primarily of sodium carbonate]]

== Materials needed ==

* [[Soda Ash]]
* Carbonated Water

== Crafting instructions ==
Baking soda can most easily be made by simply dissolving soda ash (sodium carbonate) in carbonated water. The carbonated water dissolves and carbonates the soda ash, creating baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).

== Uses ==
'''Leavening Agent'''

When added to dough that contains an acid, baking soda will create gas causing the dough to expand.

'''Cleaning'''

Baking soda can be used to remove paint and corrosion from metals.

'''Medical'''

Baking soda is a mild antiseptic when mixed with water, and can be used to keep teeth and gums clean.

== See also ==

* [[Soda Ash]]

== References ==
{{wa|Trona}}

Lye

2025-05-07T21:35:55Z

Figgity:

Lye is a caustic base, either sodium hydroxide (soda lye) or potassium hydroxide (potash lye). It's most commonly used for making [[soap]] by mixing lye with animal fat, but can also be used to cure and tenderize foods in small amounts.

Sodium hydroxide can additionally be used in the production of paper, and water treatment.

Potassium hydroxide can additionally be used in the production of [[saltpeter]].

== Materials needed ==

* A salt-tolerant '''plant''' as glassworts, saltworts, or kelp
* '''[[Fire]]'''
* '''[[Water]]'''
* [[Quicklime|'''Limewater''']]

== Crafting instructions ==
Soda lye is much easier to produce compared to potash lye, but which you can make is dependent on your location.

'''Soda Ash Lye'''

First, burn any 'halophyte' (salt tolerant) plant such as glassworts, saltworts, or kelp, leach the ashes, and boil the resulting liquid to produce [[Soda Ash|soda ash]] (sodium carbonate). Add the resulting soda ash to [[Quicklime|limewater]] for a final product of lye (sodium hydroxide).

'''Wood Ash Lye'''

Start by burning wood, and leaching the ash. Boil off the resulting water to create potash. When mixed with [[Quicklime|limewater]], it produces lye (potassium hydroxide). While easier to create, this method is much less favorable to the soda ash method, as the resulting lye is of lower quality and yeild.

== Uses ==
Lye is a powerful base, particularly useful in the production of [[Soap|soap.]]

== Dependencies ==

* '''Lye'''
** [[Soap]]

== See also ==

* [[Soap]]

Lye

2025-05-07T21:35:39Z

Figgity: removed a weird duplicate sentance

Lye

2025-05-07T21:31:19Z

Figgity:

Lye is a caustic base, either sodium hydroxide (soda lye) or potassium hydroxide (potash lye). It's most commonly used for making [[soap]] by mixing lye with animal fat, but can also be used to cure and tenderize foods in small amounts.

Sodium hydroxide can additionally be used in the production of paper, and water treatment.
Potassium hydroxide can additionally be used in the production of [[saltpeter]].

Potassium hydroxide can additionally be used in the production of [[saltpeter]].

== Materials needed ==

* A salt-tolerant '''plant''' as glassworts, saltworts, or kelp
* '''[[Fire]]'''
* '''[[Water]]'''
* [[Quicklime|'''Limewater''']]

== Crafting instructions ==
Soda lye is much easier to produce compared to potash lye, but which you can make is dependent on your location.

'''Soda Ash Lye'''

First, burn any 'halophyte' (salt tolerant) plant such as glassworts, saltworts, or kelp, leach the ashes, and boil the resulting liquid to produce [[Soda Ash|soda ash]] (sodium carbonate). Add the resulting soda ash to [[Quicklime|limewater]] for a final product of lye (sodium hydroxide).

'''Wood Ash Lye'''

Start by burning wood, and leaching the ash. Boil off the resulting water to create potash. When mixed with [[Quicklime|limewater]], it produces lye (potassium hydroxide). While easier to create, this method is much less favorable to the soda ash method, as the resulting lye is of lower quality and yeild.

== Uses ==
Lye is a powerful base, particularly useful in the production of [[Soap|soap.]]

== Dependencies ==

* '''Lye'''
** [[Soap]]

== See also ==

* [[Soap]]

Lye

2025-05-07T21:30:03Z

Figgity: added a blurb about how potassium hydroxide can be used to make saltpeter

User:Figgity

2025-05-07T21:07:57Z

Figgity:

Hello, I joined May 7th 2025. I like chemistry, especially soap.

Wikiciv:Volunteers

2025-05-07T21:07:29Z

Figgity:

The following is a list of volunteers in Wikiciv. If you wish to contribute to the project, add your name by writing <nowiki>* --~~~~</nowiki> below!

* [[User:Jehan]]
* [[User:Signore Galilei]]
* [[User:Uri]]
* [[User:Oscar]]
* [[User:PolarTwin]]
* [[User:CTabarrok]]
* [[User:CASSIE]]
* [[User:Noonynoonynoo]]
* [[User:Shrimpsooup]]
* [[User:Mikaele1100]]
* [[User:Mathematician|Mathematician]] ([[User talk:Mathematician|talk]]) 04:17, 6 May 2025 (UTC)
* [[User:Lunimaine]]
* [[User:CatMeowsBack|CatMeowsBack]] ([[User talk:CatMeowsBack|talk]]) 05:24, 7 May 2025 (UTC)
* [[User:Gelsoup|Gelsoup]] ([[User talk:Gelsoup|talk]]) 20:36, 7 May 2025 (UTC)
* [[User:Figgity]]
== See also ==
* [[Wikiciv:Milestones]]
* [[Wikiciv:Resources]]

[[Category:Wikiciv administration]]

Rust Fungi

2025-05-07T21:06:20Z

Figgity: Added link to sodium bicarbonate

[[File:Puccinia sessilis.jpg|alt=A ring of small, sub-mm yellow to orange fungal fruiting bodies with the appearance of tiny opened flowers, on a green leaf.|thumb|240x240px|''Fruiting bodies of Puccinia sessilis, 'Arum Rust','' on the underside of a leaf of Wild garlic — a commonly [[Gathering|foraged]] edible plant.]]
'''Rust Fungi (Order Pucciniales)''' are highly specialised obligate fungal parasites of [[Plant|plants]], including many common [[crops|agricultural crops]]. Over 7000 species are described, across 168 genera.

Infections may appear on any part of the plant (most often affecting leaves, stems, petioles, fruits, and flowers), resulting in yellowing of plant matter, galling, stunted plant growth, and the development of powdery yellow to brown coloured masses of [[spores]]. These infections are not often fatal to the plant, and generally have little effect on edibility of the host plant, though growth of the plant can be severely hindered and can still result in an altered taste and wider palatability.

Transmission of rust fungi occurs via the release of small spores from the fruiting bodies of the fungus, which can be transported by the wind, insect vectors, or water. These spores are incredibly specific to the infection of one group of host plants, not causing infection outside of these species.

== Control ==
Rust fungi are incredibly difficult to treat, though some fungicides may be used to hinder infection. A spray of [[Baking soda|Sodium bicarbonate]] and [[Water|wate]]<nowiki/>r, or the application of powdered [[Sulfur|Sulphur]] to the plant can be beneficial to prevent the spread of spores.

The most effective method for removing rust is to cull infected plants, removing any rust covered matter and subsequently [[Fire|burning]]. Infected matter should not be [[Compost|composted]], as spores can make their way into the soil, facilitating further spread of the fungus.

== Gallery ==
<gallery widths="250">
File:Puccinia caricina macro.jpg|''Puccinia caricina'' on underside of Flowering Currant leaf
File:Puccinia caricina on Flowering Currant.jpg|Flowering currant leaf underside, showing location of ''Puccinia caricina'' infection
File:Caeoma allii-ursini.jpg|''Caeoma allii-ursini'' on underside of Wild garlic, partially disrupted by end of the leaf
File:Pale Bramble Rust.jpg|''Kuehneola uredinis'' on the stem of a Rubus sp. bramble
File:Nettle Clustercup.jpg|Galling on Common Nettle leaf, caused by ''Puccinia urticata''
File:Pucciniastrum epilobii.jpg|''Pucciniastrum epilobii'' growing on American Willowherb, a garden weed
File:Blackened Phragmidium violaceum Spores.jpg|Blackened spore clusters of ''Phragmidium violaceum'' on the underside of a bramble leaf
File:Bluebell Rust.jpg|''Uromyces hyacinthi'' on a Bluebell leaf
</gallery>

== See also ==

* [[Fungi]]
* [[Fungiculture]]
* [[Farming]]

== References ==
<references />
{{wa|Rust_(fungus)}}

Lye

2025-05-07T21:05:18Z

Figgity: added a few links

Lye is a caustic base, either sodium hydroxide (soda lye) or potassium hydroxide (potash lye). It's most commonly used for making [[soap]] by mixing lye with animal fat, but can also be used to cure and tenderize foods in small amounts.

Sodium hydroxide can additionally be used in the production of paper, and water treatment.

== Materials needed ==

* A salt-tolerant '''plant''' as glassworts, saltworts, or kelp
* '''[[Fire]]'''
* '''[[Water]]'''
* [[Quicklime|'''Limewater''']]

== Crafting instructions ==
Soda lye is much easier to produce compared to potash lye, but which you can make is dependent on your location.

'''Soda Ash Lye'''

First, burn any 'halophyte' (salt tolerant) plant such as glassworts, saltworts, or kelp, leach the ashes, and boil the resulting liquid to produce [[Soda Ash|soda ash]] (sodium carbonate). Add the resulting soda ash to [[Quicklime|limewater]] for a final product of lye (sodium hydroxide).

'''Wood Ash Lye'''

Start by burning wood, and leaching the ash. Boil off the resulting water to create potash. When mixed with [[Quicklime|limewater]], it produces lye (potassium hydroxide). While easier to create, this method is much less favorable to the soda ash method, as the resulting lye is of lower quality and yeild.

== Uses ==
Lye is a powerful base, particularly useful in the production of [[Soap|soap.]]

== Dependencies ==

* '''Lye'''
** [[Soap]]

== See also ==

* [[Soap]]

Baking soda

2025-05-07T21:03:33Z

Figgity: created the page on baking soda

Baking soda

2025-05-07T20:45:29Z

Figgity: Created blank page

Soda Ash

2025-05-07T20:44:24Z

Figgity: created the page on soda ash

Soda ash is an inorganic compound comprised mostly of sodium carbonate. It is used in the production of [[lye]] to make [[soap]], as well as in making [[baking soda]] (sodium bicarbonate).

== Materials needed ==

* A salt-tolerant '''plant''' as glassworts, saltworts, or kelp
* '''[[Fire]]'''

== Crafting instructions ==
Soda ash can be obtained by burning any 'halophyte' (salt tolerant) plant, leaching the ashes, and boiling off the resulting liquid.

The reason soda ash can be extracted from halophyte ashes in this manner is due to sodium carbonate being soluble in water where most other products of halophyte ashes are not.

== Viable halophytes ==

== Uses ==
Soda ash is useful in several chemical and daily uses. It's an effective flux for glassmaking, can be used to tenderize meat in cooking, and simply used to produce chemicals such as sodium bicarbonate.

Quicklime

2025-05-07T19:54:34Z

Figgity: linked the original lime page more

'''Quicklime''' is a [[calcium]]-containing inorganic material composed primarily of oxides, and hydroxide, usually calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide. Quicklime is also referred to as lime, unslaked lime, or burnt lime.

Pure quicklime is a white, caustic, alkaline powder composed of calcium oxide.

== Uses ==
Quicklime is a thermal decomposition of [[lime]], and is used to make building materials such as mortar or primitive concretes, as well as in the production of [[Lye]].

Quicklime can also be added to water to make limewater, or slaked lime.

== Production Methods ==
Quicklime (or calcium oxide) is produced by the thermal decomposition of [[lime]] at temperatures of between 850 and 1200°C. This can be achieved by placing a source of powdered calcium carbonate such as pulverized limestone or seashells into a simple wood fire for a period of about 1 hour. The resulting lime should be use promptly as it reacts with CO2 from the atmosphere to reform calcium carbonate.

== Dependencies ==

* [[Calcium]]
** [[Lime]]
*** '''Quicklime'''
**** [[Lime concrete]]
**** [[Lime mortar]]
**** [[Limestone]]

== See also ==

* [[Lime concrete]]
* [[Lime mortar]]
* [[Limestone]]
* [[Kiln]]

== References ==
{{wa|Lime_(material)}}

Quicklime

2025-05-07T19:53:24Z

Figgity: /* References */ cleaned up references and linked the original lime page

'''Quicklime''' is a [[calcium]]-containing inorganic material composed primarily of oxides, and hydroxide, usually calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide. Quicklime is also referred to as lime, unslaked lime, or burnt lime.

Pure quicklime is a white, caustic, alkaline powder composed of calcium oxide.

== Uses ==
Quicklime is a thermal decomposition of lime, and is used to make building materials such as mortar or primitive concretes, as well as in the production of Lye.

Quicklime can also be added to water to make limewater, or slaked lime.

== Production Methods ==
Quicklime (or calcium oxide) is produced by the thermal decomposition of Lime at temperatures of between 850 and 1200°C. This can be achieved by placing a source of powdered calcium carbonate such as pulverized limestone or seashells into a simple wood fire for a period of about 1 hour. The resulting lime should be use promptly as it reacts with CO2 from the atmosphere to reform calcium carbonate.

== Dependencies ==

* [[Calcium]]
** [[Lime]]
*** '''Quicklime'''
**** [[Lime concrete]]
**** [[Lime mortar]]
**** [[Limestone]]

== See also ==

* [[Lime concrete]]
* [[Lime mortar]]
* [[Limestone]]
* [[Kiln]]

== References ==
{{wa|Lime_(material)}}

Quicklime

2025-05-07T19:52:26Z

Figgity:

'''Quicklime''' is a [[calcium]]-containing inorganic material composed primarily of oxides, and hydroxide, usually calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide. Quicklime is also referred to as lime, unslaked lime, or burnt lime.

Pure quicklime is a white, caustic, alkaline powder composed of calcium oxide.

== Uses ==
Quicklime is a thermal decomposition of lime, and is used to make building materials such as mortar or primitive concretes, as well as in the production of Lye.

Quicklime can also be added to water to make limewater, or slaked lime.

== Production Methods ==
Quicklime (or calcium oxide) is produced by the thermal decomposition of Lime at temperatures of between 850 and 1200°C. This can be achieved by placing a source of powdered calcium carbonate such as pulverized limestone or seashells into a simple wood fire for a period of about 1 hour. The resulting lime should be use promptly as it reacts with CO2 from the atmosphere to reform calcium carbonate.

== Dependencies ==

* [[Calcium]]
** Lime
*** '''Quicklime'''
**** [[Lime concrete]]
**** [[Lime mortar]]
**** [[Limestone]]

== See also ==

* [[Lime concrete]]
* [[Lime mortar]]
* [[Limestone]]
* [[Kiln]]

== References ==
{{wa|Lime_(material)}}

== External links ==

* [https://primitivetechnology.wordpress.com/2018/03/06/lime/ Lime], primitivetechnology.wordpress.com. 6 March 2018.
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek3aeUhHaFY Primitive Technology: Lime] - Primitive Technology, 6 March 2018, YouTube

Lye

2025-05-07T19:51:48Z

Figgity: /* Materials needed */ added limewater to the materials

Lye is a caustic base, either sodium hydroxide (soda lye) or potassium hydroxide (potash lye). It's most commonly used for making [[soap]] by mixing lye with animal fat, but can also be used to cure and tenderize foods in small amounts.

Sodium hydroxide can additionally be used in the production of paper, and water treatment.

== Materials needed ==

* A salt-tolerant '''plant''' as glassworts, saltworts, or kelp
* '''[[Fire]]'''
* '''[[Water]]'''
* [[Quicklime|'''Limewater''']]

== Crafting instructions ==
Soda lye is much easier to produce compared to potash lye, but which you can make is dependent on your location.

'''Soda Ash Lye'''

First, burn any 'halophyte' (salt tolerant) plant such as glassworts, saltworts, or kelp, leach the ashes, and boil the resulting liquid to produce soda ash (sodium carbonate). Add the resulting soda ash to [[Quicklime|limewater]] for a final product of lye (sodium hydroxide).

'''Wood Ash Lye'''

Start by burning wood, and leaching the ash. Boil off the resulting water to create potash. When mixed with limewater, it produces lye (potassium hydroxide). While easier to create, this method is much less favorable to the soda ash method, as the resulting lye is of lower quality and yeild.

== Uses ==
Lye is a powerful base, particularly useful in the production of [[Soap|soap.]]

== Dependencies ==

* Lye
** [[Soap]]

== See also ==

* [[Soap]]

Lye

2025-05-07T19:49:21Z

Figgity: added additional uses to sodium hydroxide

Lye is a caustic base, either sodium hydroxide (soda lye) or potassium hydroxide (potash lye). It's most commonly used for making [[soap]] by mixing lye with animal fat, but can also be used to cure and tenderize foods in small amounts.

Sodium hydroxide can additionally be used in the production of paper, and water treatment.

== Materials needed ==

* A salt-tolerant '''plant''' as glassworts, saltworts, or kelp
* '''[[Fire]]'''
* '''[[Water]]'''

== Crafting instructions ==
Soda lye is much easier to produce compared to potash lye, but which you can make is dependent on your location.

'''Soda Ash Lye'''

First, burn any 'halophyte' (salt tolerant) plant such as glassworts, saltworts, or kelp, leach the ashes, and boil the resulting liquid to produce soda ash (sodium carbonate). Add the resulting soda ash to [[Quicklime|limewater]] for a final product of lye (sodium hydroxide).

'''Wood Ash Lye'''

Start by burning wood, and leaching the ash. Boil off the resulting water to create potash. When mixed with limewater, it produces lye (potassium hydroxide). While easier to create, this method is much less favorable to the soda ash method, as the resulting lye is of lower quality and yeild.

== Uses ==
Lye is a powerful base, particularly useful in the production of [[Soap|soap.]]

== Dependencies ==

* Lye
** [[Soap]]

== See also ==

* [[Soap]]

Soap

2025-05-07T19:43:07Z

Figgity: fixed a capitalization and spelling mistake

[[File:Handmade soap cropped and simplified.jpg|thumb|A handmade bar of soap]]
'''Soap''' is a [[Chemical compounds|chemical compound]] used for cleaning. It is a salt of a fatty acid produced by mixing fats or oils with a base. This process, called [[wikipedia:Saponification|saponification]], cleaves esters into alcohols and salts (the soap). Soaps main use is in its ability to act as an emulsifier between oils and water. Soap molecules have one lipophilic (fat-attracting) end and one hydrophilic (water-attracting) side, allowing dirt and oils to be captured by tiny bubbles called [[wikipedia:Micelle|micelles]] and subsequently washed away. Soaps ability to remove toxins and pathogens from skin or surfaces have made it a vital tools in preventing diesase.

== Materials needed ==

* An '''[[oil]]''', commonly animal fat or a vegetable oil.
* a '''base''', commonly [[lye]] (sodium hydroxide and/or potassium hydroxide)
* '''[[water]]'''

== Crafting instructions ==
''Note: Due to the corrosive nature of lye, this should only be done in a well-ventilated area with proper personal protection equipment.''
[[File:Phospholipids aqueous solution structures.svg|thumb|Micelle structure]]
Exact measurements vary by recipe and oil used.

# Pour the lye into water and stir. This process is exothermic. Do not pour the water into the lye.
# Melt the oils on low heat.
# When both solutions are about 100-120°F (about 40-50°C), mix the two together
## Optional: Cook the soap on low heat for 1-1.5 hours. This reduces setting time
## Optional: Add fragrances or colorants to preference
# Place the soap in a mold. Remove and cut after 24 hours
# Let sit for 1-2 weeks if cooked, 6-7 weeks if not. While the soap is usable during this period, it is not completely saponified. To test if soap is saponified, attempt to lather.

== Uses ==
Soap removes dirt from surfaces, skin, clothing dishware, silverware, and more, greatly reducing the chance of contracting an illness. soap also reduces body odor.

[[Category:Chemical compounds]]

Lye

2025-05-07T19:41:14Z

Figgity: created the page on lye, including a few uses and two basic production methods

Lye is a caustic base, either sodium hydroxide (soda lye) or potassium hydroxide (potash lye). It's most commonly used for making [[soap]] by mixing lye with animal fat, but can also be used to cure and tenderize foods in small amounts.

== Production ==
Soda lye is much easier to produce compared to potash lye, but which you can make is dependent on your location.

'''Soda Ash Lye'''

First, burn any 'halophyte' (salt tolerant) plant such as glassworts, saltworts, or kelp, leach the ashes, and boil the resulting liquid to produce soda ash (sodium carbonate). Add the resulting soda ash to [[Quicklime|limewater]] for a final product of lye (sodium hydroxide).

'''Wood Ash Lye'''

Start by burning wood, and leaching the ash. Boil off the resulting water to create potash. When mixed with limewater, it produces lye (potassium hydroxide). While easier to create, this method is much less favorable to the soda ash method, as the resulting lye is of lower quality and yeild.

== See also ==

* [[Soap]]

Quicklime

2025-05-07T19:34:18Z

Figgity: fixed a spelling mistake and added a blurb on limewater.

[[File:Limestone_Eocene_deposit_at_Sinj_Stari_grad_-_Dalmatia_-_Croatia_IMG_20210820_083857.jpg|thumb|250x250px|Limestone deposit in the karst of Dinaric Alps near Sinj, Croatia.]]
'''Quicklime''' is a [[calcium]]-containing inorganic material composed primarily of oxides, and hydroxide, usually calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide. Quicklime is also referred to as lime, unslaked lime, or burnt lime.

Pure quicklime is a white, caustic, alkaline powder composed of calcium oxide.

== Uses ==
Quicklime is a thermal decomposition of lime, and is used to make building materials such as mortar or primitive concretes, as well as in the production of Lye.

Quicklime can also be added to water to make limewater, or slaked lime.

== Production Methods ==
Quicklime (or calcium oxide) is produced by the thermal decomposition of Lime at temperatures of between 850 and 1200°C. This can be achieved by placing a source of powdered calcium carbonate such as pulverized limestone or seashells into a simple wood fire for a period of about 1 hour. The resulting lime should be use promptly as it reacts with CO2 from the atmosphere to reform calcium carbonate.

== Dependencies ==

* [[Calcium]]
** Lime
*** '''Quicklime'''
**** [[Lime concrete]]
**** [[Lime mortar]]
**** [[Limestone]]

== See also ==

* [[Lime concrete]]
* [[Lime mortar]]
* [[Limestone]]
* [[Kiln]]

== References ==
{{wa|Lime_(material)}}

== External links ==

* [https://primitivetechnology.wordpress.com/2018/03/06/lime/ Lime], primitivetechnology.wordpress.com. 6 March 2018.
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek3aeUhHaFY Primitive Technology: Lime] - Primitive Technology, 6 March 2018, YouTube

User:Figgity

2025-05-07T17:59:06Z

Figgity: Created page with "Hello, I joined May 7th 2025. I like chemistry."

Hello, I joined May 7th 2025. I like chemistry.

Lime mortar

2025-05-07T15:51:21Z

Figgity: changed the page to reflect the split between Lime and Quicklime.

[[File:Catedral de Medellin-Deterioro humedad.JPG|thumb|300px|Lime mortar used in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Medellín. Colombia.]]
A traditional '''lime mortar''' is a combination of [[lime]] putty and aggregate (usually [[sand]]). A typical modern lime mortar mix would be 1 part lime putty to 3 parts washed, well graded, sharp sand. Other materials have been used as aggregate instead of sand.

The theory is that the voids of empty space between the sand particles account for a 1/3 of the volume of the sand. The lime putty when mixed at a 1 to 3 ratio, fill these voids to create a compact mortar. Analysis of mortar samples from historic buildings typically indicates a higher ratio of around 1 part lime putty to 1.5 part aggregate/sand was commonly used. This equates to approximately 1 part dry quicklime to 3 parts sand. A traditional coarse plaster mix also had horse hair added for reinforcing and control of shrinkage, important when plastering to wooden laths and for base (or dubbing) coats onto uneven surfaces such as stone walls where the mortar is often applied in thicker coats to compensate for the irregular surface levels.

== Shrinkage and cracking ==

If shrinkage and cracking of the lime mortar does occur this can be as a result of either:

* The sand being poorly graded or with a particle size that is too small
* The mortar being applied too thickly (thicker coats increase the possibility of shrinkage, cracking and slumping)
* Too much suction from the substrate
* High air temperatures or direct sunlight which force dry the mortar
* High [[water]] content in the lime mortar mix
* Poor quality or unmatured lime putty

== Mixture ==

A common method for mixing lime mortar with powdered quicklime is as follows:

* Gather your ingredients, sand, quicklime, and water
* Measure out your ratio of sand to quicklime, for example 3 buckets of sand, and 1 bucket of quicklime for a 3:1 ratio.
* Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly so all the sand is coated with quicklime, and there are neither chunks of sand or quicklime visible.
* Reserve some portion of the dry ingredients by removing it from your mixing vessel. The amount reserved can vary, but a safe starting point is about 1/4 of the batch. This will be added in later to fine tune the dryness of the mix.
* Measure out water. How much depends on how wet you want your mix to be, and how damp/wet your sand is. A good starting point is 1 quart of water per gallon of sand.
* Add about 2/3 of the water to your dry ingredients and mix until even consistency.
* Add the reserved dry ingredients and/or the remaining water to get a mix you like. It takes time to know what works well, and the recipe can change depending on the temperature, humidity, moisture in the sand, type of brick, and task at hand (laying brick may warrant a wetter mix, while pointing may require a drier one.
* To test the mix as you are making it, you can use a trowel, or pat the mortar with your hand to see how much moisture and "cream" come to the surface.
* Remember to thoroughly wet your brick prior to using lime mortar. Old brick can be extremely porous, a 4lb brick can hold a pint of water. The bricks should be saturated, but dry on the surface prior to laying or pointing. Excess water can cause the quicklime to run and leave streaks.

== See also ==
* [[Cement]]
* [[Concrete]]
* [[Lime concrete]]
* [[Limestone]]
* [[Mortar]]
* [[Raw material]]

== References ==
* [https://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/mythmix/mythmix.htm The Myth in the Mix, The 1:3 ratio of lime to sand] ''buildingconservation.com''

== External links ==
* [[wikipedia:Lime mortar|Lime mortar]], Wikipedia

[[Category:Building materials]]
[[Category:Lime]]

Lime concrete

2025-05-07T15:46:28Z

Figgity: changed the page to reflect the split between Lime and Quicklime.

'''Lime concrete''' is composite mixture of [[quicklime]] as binding material, [[sand]] as fine aggregate and [[gravel]] as coarse aggregate in appropriate proportions. It has been well known for at least 5000 years and was widely used for the construction works all over the world before the replacement of lime with [[cement]].

== Dependencies ==

* [[Gravel]]
* [[Quicklime]]
* [[Sand]]
** '''Lime concrete'''

== See also ==
* [[Cement]]
* [[Concrete]]
* [[Lime Mortar]]
* [[Limestone]]
* [[Raw material]]

== References ==
* [https://theconstructor.org/concrete/lime-concrete-uses-construction/37391/ Lime Concrete - Mix Proportions, Uses and Properties] - Theconstructor.org

[[Category:Building materials]]
[[Category:Lime]]
[[Category:Stubs]]

Lime

2025-05-07T15:45:01Z

Figgity: /* Dependencies */ forgot to add quicklime onto the dependencies tree

[[File:Limestone Eocene deposit at Sinj Stari grad - Dalmatia - Croatia IMG 20210820 083857.jpg|thumb|250px|Limestone deposit in the karst of Dinaric Alps near Sinj, Croatia.]]
'''Lime''' is a [[calcium]]-containing inorganic material composed primarily of calcium carbonate, but also commonly contains calcium oxides and hydroxides.

== Use ==
The word lime originates with its earliest use as [[Lime Mortar|building mortar]] and has the sense of sticking or adhering. These materials are still used in large quantities as building and engineering materials (including limestone products, [[cement]], [[concrete]], and mortar), as chemical feedstocks, and for sugar refining, among other uses. Lime industries and the use of many of the resulting products date from prehistoric times in both the Old World and the New World.{{Citation needed}}Lime is used extensively for wastewater treatment with ferrous sulfate.

The rocks and minerals from which these materials are derived, typically limestone or chalk, are composed primarily of calcium carbonate.

== Production Methods ==
Lime is commonly found in the form of limestone, chalk, and seashells. For most uses, it must be pulverized into a powder first.

== Dependencies ==

* [[Calcium]]
** '''Lime'''
*** Quicklime
**** [[Lime concrete]]
**** [[Lime mortar]]
**** [[Limestone]]

== See also ==
* [[Lime concrete]]
* [[Lime mortar]]
* [[Limestone]]
* [[Kiln]]

== References ==
{{wa|Lime_(material)}}

== External links ==
* [https://primitivetechnology.wordpress.com/2018/03/06/lime/ Lime], primitivetechnology.wordpress.com. 6 March 2018.
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek3aeUhHaFY Primitive Technology: Lime] - Primitive Technology, 6 March 2018, YouTube

[[Category:Lime]]

Lime

2025-05-07T15:44:35Z

Figgity: changed the page to reflect the split between Lime and Quicklime.

[[File:Limestone Eocene deposit at Sinj Stari grad - Dalmatia - Croatia IMG 20210820 083857.jpg|thumb|250px|Limestone deposit in the karst of Dinaric Alps near Sinj, Croatia.]]
'''Lime''' is a [[calcium]]-containing inorganic material composed primarily of calcium carbonate, but also commonly contains calcium oxides and hydroxides.

== Use ==
The word lime originates with its earliest use as [[Lime Mortar|building mortar]] and has the sense of sticking or adhering. These materials are still used in large quantities as building and engineering materials (including limestone products, [[cement]], [[concrete]], and mortar), as chemical feedstocks, and for sugar refining, among other uses. Lime industries and the use of many of the resulting products date from prehistoric times in both the Old World and the New World.{{Citation needed}}Lime is used extensively for wastewater treatment with ferrous sulfate.

The rocks and minerals from which these materials are derived, typically limestone or chalk, are composed primarily of calcium carbonate.

== Production Methods ==
Lime is commonly found in the form of limestone, chalk, and seashells. For most uses, it must be pulverized into a powder first.

== Dependencies ==

* [[Calcium]]
** '''Lime'''
*** [[Lime concrete]]
*** [[Lime mortar]]
*** [[Limestone]]

== See also ==
* [[Lime concrete]]
* [[Lime mortar]]
* [[Limestone]]
* [[Kiln]]

== References ==
{{wa|Lime_(material)}}

== External links ==
* [https://primitivetechnology.wordpress.com/2018/03/06/lime/ Lime], primitivetechnology.wordpress.com. 6 March 2018.
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek3aeUhHaFY Primitive Technology: Lime] - Primitive Technology, 6 March 2018, YouTube

[[Category:Lime]]

Quicklime

2025-05-07T15:38:56Z

Figgity: changed the Use category to better reflect the change to the page being for quicklime specifically

[[File:Limestone_Eocene_deposit_at_Sinj_Stari_grad_-_Dalmatia_-_Croatia_IMG_20210820_083857.jpg|thumb|250x250px|Limestone deposit in the karst of Dinaric Alps near Sinj, Croatia.]]
'''Quicklime''' is a [[calcium]]-containing inorganic material composed primarily of oxides, and hydroxide, usually calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide. Quicklime is also referred to as lime, unslaked lime, or burnt lime.

Pure quicklime is a white, caustic, alkaline powder composed of calcium oxide.

== Use ==
Quicklime is a thermal decomposition of Lime, and is used to make building materials such as mortar or primitive concretes as well as in the production of Lye.

== Production Methods ==
Quicklime (or calcium oxide) is produced by the thermal decomposition of Lime at temperatures of between 850 and 1200°C. This can be achieved by placing a source of powdered calcium carbonate such as pulverized limestone or seashells into a simple wood fire for a period of about 1 hour. The resulting lime should be use promptly as it reacts with CO2 from the atmosphere to reform calcium carbonate.

== Dependencies ==

* [[Calcium]]
** Lime
*** '''Quicklime'''
**** [[Lime concrete]]
**** [[Lime mortar]]
**** [[Limestone]]

== See also ==

* [[Lime concrete]]
* [[Lime mortar]]
* [[Limestone]]
* [[Kiln]]

== References ==
{{wa|Lime_(material)}}

== External links ==

* [https://primitivetechnology.wordpress.com/2018/03/06/lime/ Lime], primitivetechnology.wordpress.com. 6 March 2018.
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek3aeUhHaFY Primitive Technology: Lime] - Primitive Technology, 6 March 2018, YouTube

Quicklime

2025-05-07T15:34:01Z

Figgity: Migrated the lime page onto quicklime. Added a description of pure quicklime, and cleared up terms on the production methods.

[[File:Limestone_Eocene_deposit_at_Sinj_Stari_grad_-_Dalmatia_-_Croatia_IMG_20210820_083857.jpg|thumb|250x250px|Limestone deposit in the karst of Dinaric Alps near Sinj, Croatia.]]
'''Quicklime''' is a [[calcium]]-containing inorganic material composed primarily of oxides, and hydroxide, usually calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide. Quicklime is also referred to as lime, unslaked lime, or burnt lime.

Pure quicklime is a white, caustic, alkaline powder composed of calcium oxide.

== Use ==
The word lime originates with its earliest use as [[Lime Mortar|building mortar]] and has the sense of sticking or adhering. These materials are still used in large quantities as building and engineering materials (including limestone products, [[cement]], [[concrete]], and mortar), as chemical feedstocks, and for sugar refining, among other uses. Lime industries and the use of many of the resulting products date from prehistoric times in both the Old World and the New World.{{Citation needed}}

== Production Methods ==
Quicklime (or calcium oxide) is produced by the thermal decomposition of Lime at temperatures of between 850 and 1200°C. This can be achieved by placing a source of powdered calcium carbonate such as pulverized limestone or seashells into a simple wood fire for a period of about 1 hour. The resulting lime should be use promptly as it reacts with CO2 from the atmosphere to reform calcium carbonate.

== Dependencies ==

* [[Calcium]]
** Lime
*** '''Quicklime'''
**** [[Lime concrete]]
**** [[Lime mortar]]
**** [[Limestone]]

== See also ==

* [[Lime concrete]]
* [[Lime mortar]]
* [[Limestone]]
* [[Kiln]]

== References ==
{{wa|Lime_(material)}}

== External links ==

* [https://primitivetechnology.wordpress.com/2018/03/06/lime/ Lime], primitivetechnology.wordpress.com. 6 March 2018.
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek3aeUhHaFY Primitive Technology: Lime] - Primitive Technology, 6 March 2018, YouTube

Quicklime

2025-05-07T15:06:29Z

Figgity: made the page redirect to lime

#REDIRECT [[Lime]]Redirect to Lime