These compositions deflagrate upon ignition, producing hot gas. Nitroglycerin and any diluents can certainly deflagrate (burn). Most organics and flammables will deflagrate on contact. Therefore, it often is mixed with another fuel that is easier to deflagrate. Otherwise such mixtures simply deflagrate with an intense purple flame characteristic of potassium. It is designed to deflagrate, or burn, to produce high pressure gases.