Nitrocellulose

Nitrocellulose (also known as cellulose nitrate, flash paper, flash cotton, guncotton, and flash string) is a highly flammable compound formed by nitrating cellulose through exposure to nitric acid or another powerful nitrating agent. When used as a propellant or low-order explosive, it was originally known as guncotton.

History

Nitrocellulose was first created by Henri Braconnot in 1832. In 1838, another French chemist, Théophile-Jules Pelouze, began industrial production. The process used by Pelouze involved the immersion of cotton (a form of pure cellulose) in a mixture of sulfuric acid and nitric acid.

Production

The production of nitrocellulose is relatively simple. It involves the reaction of cellulose with a mixture of concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids. This reaction is highly exothermic and can lead to an explosion if not carefully controlled. The nitrocellulose is then purified and dried.

Uses

Nitrocellulose has been used for a variety of purposes throughout history. It was initially used as a replacement for gunpowder due to its superior stability and performance. Today, it is used in a variety of applications, including the production of smokeless powder, lacquers, and celluloid.

Safety

Due to its highly flammable nature, nitrocellulose must be handled with care. It can explode if subjected to heat, friction, or shock. In addition, it can decompose over time, producing potentially harmful gases.

See also

• Cellulose
• Nitric acid
• Sulfuric acid
• Smokeless powder
• Lacquer
• Celluloid