Nitrocellulose propellants

Rocket Propellants. SoHd rocket propellants are mostly based on chemically cross-linked polymeric elastomers to provide the mechanical properties required in launchings and the environmental conditions experienced in storage, shipment, and handling (see Elastomers, synthetic). Double-and triple-based nitrocellulose propellants are also employed as rocket propellants. 

Secondary smoke is produced mosdy by the condensation of water in humid or cold air. The presence of hydrogen chloride or hydrogen fluoride in the combustion products increases the extent and rate of condensation. Composition modifications to reduce primary smoke may reduce secondary smoke to some extent, but complete elimination is unlikely. The relatively small amount of smoke produced in gun firings by modem nitrocellulose propellants, although undesirable, is acceptable (102—109). 

Extruded Nitrocellulose Propellants. Nitrocellulose propellants ate made with or without incorporation of a solvent as plasticizer by five processes ... 

Of these, the most successful appeared in 1887 when Alfred Nobel patented a nitrocellulose propellant plasticised with nitroglycerine. Known as a double-base propellant, it is virtually smokeless, with a very high specific impulse as compared to gunpowder. Single-base propellants were developed in 1865 and 1890 by Schultz and Vieille respectively and these took the form of gelatinised nitrocellulose for use in firearms and mortars. 

Nitrocellulose propellant composition. UK Patent Appl. GB 2246348A. 

Nitrocellulose propellants were also prepared by Vieile. 

P.R. Mosher, Solventless Double Base Propellants for Plasticizing MTN Nitrocellulose Propellants Without Use of Solvents , USP 4082583 (1978) CA 89, 45945 (1978)... 

Lyerly, Slurry Explosive Compositions Containing Nitrogen Base Salt and TNT, Nitrocellulose Propellant, or Composition B , USP 3629021 (1971) CA 76,47952 (1972)... 

Pirosilinovyye porokha = single base nitrocellulose propellant (russian) Piroksilins N° 1 = nitrocellulose 12-13% N N° 2 = > 13% N (russian) 222... 

Pyropowder = single base nitrocellulose propellant (UK) pyrotechnical compositions 28 29 ... 

Dinitrondiphenylamine is formed in nitrocellulose propellants stabilized by diphenylamine (-> Stability). 

French gunpowder. A single base nitrocellulose propellant stabilized by 1.5-2% diphenylamine. The sufix (e.g., Poudre B Ba) denotes ... 

J. Isler, Auto-Inflammation de la Nitrocellulose, Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 9, 130-134 (1984). 

ATBC is used as a plasticizer for flexible films made of vinylchloride-vinylidene chloride copolymer and cellulose. It is used as a plasticizer in food contact applications and in vinyl toys for children (low toxicity). ATBC provides adherence to metals, low volatility, and resistance to yellowing. Also used in ink formulations, vinyl gloves, a non-VOC solvent in nitrocellulose propellants, a plasticizer in nail polishes, adhesives and coatings, and for coating both paperboard and foil. 

NA SUPP 28/209, R.D. Report 37, C/2184, CQ162 SUPP 28/100, German N/C [nitrocellulose] (Propellants), 15 July 1919. Later British inspections compared German conditions unfavourably in regard to protection for workers see SUPP 28/32, Gmnan Factories (23 September 1921). 

Pentaerythritol trinitrate can be determined in nitrocellulose propellants containing, as major constituents, nitroglycerine, nitrocellulose, 2-nitrodiphenylamine and dibutylphthalate. As nitrocellulose and dibutylphthalate do not interfere, but the waves of the other three compounds coincide, it was necessary to use a special technique. The sample of the propellant is first dissolved in acetone. An aliquot is added to a supporting electrolyte, so that the resulting solution consists of 0-25 m tetramethylammonium chloride, 70 per cent ethanol, 10 per cent acetone and 20 per cent... 

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