Addition of a few percent of alkali salts to the powder for flash suppression is common, typically salts of potassium such as potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate and potassium bicarbonate. In both cases, the salts act as catalysts, and interfere with the hydrogen-oxygen combustion to reduce the muzzle flash. The side effects of the alkali salts are a reduction in power, an increase in smoke, and fouling and corrosion of the firearm and nearby equipment (a significant concern with aircraft guns).
Adding alkali salts to gunpowder for reducing muzzle flash is a common practice, typically potassium salts like potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, or potassium bicarbonate. These salts act as catalysts, interfering with the combustion process to reduce muzzle flash. However, this can lead to reduced power, increased smoke, fouling, and corrosion of firearms and nearby equipment.