Was the French explosive called melanite related to melamine?
Short answerNo. The similar names do not indicate a connection.
NotesThe similar names melanite and melamine do not indicate a connection. Early nitrocellulose and cordite-family propellants could sweat nitroglycerin as they deteriorated, making warm storage dangerous. Cooler British ports offered a contrast with Toulon, where the heat is linked to French ammunition explosions. One recalled battleship explosion peeled the decks back like a sardine tin. Ammunition deterioration could therefore cause catastrophic damage while a ship was in port.