Nitrocellulose, also known as cellulose nitrate, is a highly flammable compound formed by nitrating cellulose through exposure to a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid. At room temperature, pure nitrocellulose is a white-yellow solid with an ether-like odour.
Nitrocellulose is used in printing inks, wood finishes, leather finishes, and film lacquers. In the next years, the global demand for nitrocellulose is expected to develop due to a range of applications, including explosives, printing inks, and plastic films.
Characterisation of Nitrocellulose
Nitrocellulose is characterised based on Nitrogen content, Viscosity, and stabilizer.
Nitrogen Content (degree of substitution)
Nitrogen content influences the solubility and thermoplasticity of nitrocellulose. Low nitrogen grades of nitrocellulose have a higher solubility in alcohols and higher thermoplasticity. The selection of the proper grade of nitrocellulose will depend on the solvent systems and the thermoplasticity requirement.
Nitrocellulose with a nitrogen content above 12.6% is classed as an explosive. Commercial Nitrocellulose, based on nitrogen content, is divided into three different groups:
A-grade Nitrocellulose Has a nitrogen content of 10.7-11.3%. Nitrocellulose with nitrogen content in the range of 11.3 to 11.8 is indicated as AM-grade, and Nitrocellulose with nitrogen content between 11.8 to 12.3 is known as E-grade.
Viscosity
The viscosity of Nitrocellulose depends on the molar mass of the nitrocellulose. The Viscosity of different grades of Nitrocellulose determines the strength and durability of the film. Low-viscosity grades are suitable for applications such as printing inks. However, high-viscosity grades provide better resistance and are suitable for auto-refinish paints.
stabilizer (wetting/damping agent or plasticizer)
damping agent is another grading feature of Nitrocellulose. Due to the hazardous properties of dry nitrocellulose (high flammability and high burning rates), there should be a damping agent to stabilize the nitrocellulose. Industrial nitrocellulose should be contained at least 25% damping agent (for example alcohol, water) or 18% plasticizer.
Applications of Nitrocellulose
Nitrocellulose is commonly used in paints, lacquers, wood, paper, inks and metal varnishes. Some industrial uses of ArChem Nitrocellulose include:
- Printing inks
- Automotive paints
- Wood coatings
- Leather finishes
- Nail Varnishes
Nitrocellulose Production
Depending on the form, Nitrocellulose is known by various names like cellulose nitrate, flash paper, flash cotton, guncotton, pyroxylin and flash string. Nitrocellulose is produced by the reaction of cellulose with nitrating acid (a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid). Following stabilizing stages, damping agents (alcohols or water) are added to the nitrocellulose. the entire production process of nitrocellulose is monitored to ensure the high quality of Nitrocellulose.
Nitrocellulose Storage
Nitrocellulose is highly flammable. This product should be stored in a dark, cool and well-ventilated place far away from any heat producers. Plus, In the storage and processing place of nitrocellulose, open fire or other ignition sources should be forbidden.
Nitrocellulose health hazards
Inhaling Nitrocellulose can irritate the nose and throat. Its hazardous effects are:
- Contact with nitrocellulose can irritate your skin and eyes. It can also cause dryness of skin and dermatitis.
- Exposure to high concentrations of the solvents used as damping agents can cause dizziness, difficulties in breathing, and even result in unconsciousness.
- Long-term exposure to damped nitrocellulose can lead to chronic health effects such as kidney and liver damage, depression of the central nervous system and permanent eye damage.
- Toxic gases, such as oxides of nitrogen, hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide, which may be produced during decomposition or combustion of nitrocellulose also pose health hazards.
Faq
What is the difference between Nitrocellulose a-grade and e-grade?
A-grade Nitrocellulose Has a nitrogen content of 10.7-11.3%, while E-grade Nitrocellulose Has a nitrogen content of 11.8 up to 12.3. A-grade Nitrocellulose is suitable for use in printing inks.
What is the CAS number of Nitrocellulose?
the CAS number of Nitrocellulose is 9004-70-0.
Is Nitrocellulose the same as guncotton?
Nitrocellulose is referred to as guncotton when used as a low-command explosive or propellant.
What are the advantages of Nitrocellulose?
Nitrocellulose is used in lacquers for wood, paper, coating, printing ink, and protective lacquer.
Is Nitrocellulose hazardous?
Inhaling Nitrocellulose can irritate the nose and throat. Plus, exposure to this substance can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness.
What precautions must be taken in handling Nitrocellulose?
Since dry Nitrocellulose is sensitive to heat, damped nitrocellulose must not be allowed to dry out. The container of nitrocellulose should be tightly sealed when not in use to prevent evaporation of the damping agent.
What is Nitrocellulose used for?
Nitrocellulose commonly is used in printing inks, wood finishes, leather finishes, film lacquers, auto refinish paints and cosmetics.