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 a small percentage of alkali salts, such as potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, or potassium bicarbonate, to gunpowder is a common practice for reducing muzzle flash in firearms. This process involves using these salts as catalysts to interfere with the combustion process, leading to reduced muzzle flash but also causing side effects like decreased power, increased smoke, fouling, and corrosion of firearms and nearby equipment.