Nitroglycerine stability

Through the injector (26) and by means of rubber pipes nitroglycerine stabilized with an extermely dilute solution of sodium carbonate is transferred to the separating tanks (27) wherein the final separation of the emulsion into layers is accomplished. Nitroglycerine is passed through a filter (28), whilst the aqueous layer flows down into the labyrinth (29). The product removed from the labyrinth is stabilized in the washing tank (17b). 

C. Boyars, "Sensitivity and Desensitization of Nitroglycerin," ia Proceedings of 2nd Symposium on Chemical Problems Connected with the Stability of... 

The fluid plasticizer (solvent) consists of an energetic compound, eg, nitroglycerin, an inert carrier, and a stabilizer. The system is evacuated to remove volatiles, moisture, and air, and the plasticizer is then pressurized and passed slowly upward through the powder bed while the powder is held stationary by a pressure plate on the powder column. Casting solvent may also be added from the top of the mold. 

DuPont in the U.S. developed about 1909, a smokeless powder from cotton of relatively low nitrogen that was quite soluble in ether alcohol. A small amount of diphenylamine was used as a stabilizer. After forming the grains and removing the liquid, a coating of graphite was added to make the smokeless powder that was used in the U.S. Other double-base types contain about 25% nitroglycerin. Cotton lint for nitration has been replaced by purified wood cellulose. 

The nature of the nitrocellulose used is of particular importance in explosives if freedom from exudation of free nitroglycerine during storage is to be avoided. Nitroglycerine is only a poor solvent for nitrocellulose and stability of the gel depends on continuous formation and breakdown of gelled structures. The distribution of nitrogen content and viscosity, even in the individual fibres of the nitrocellulose, is therefore of paramount importance. 

M55 rockets pose the greatest storage risk because they contain approximately 20 pounds of M28 propellant, a double-base propellant composed of nitroglycerine, nitrocellulose, plasticizers, a bum-rate modifier, and a stabilizer. The exact composition is given in Table 1-4. The propellant slowly decomposes exother-... 

Dynamite is probably the best known explosive. Dynamite is composed of either wood pulp or diatomaceous earth soaked in nitroglycerin and pressed into a stick shape. Nitroglycerin is very unstable—it can explode if it is disturbed—so the wood pulp helps to stabilize the dynamite. 

Explosive Compositions, Brisont (of High Density). The following expl compns con eg solid TNT and liquid nitric esters are described. Nitroglycerin 15—20, soluble Nitrocellulose 0—7.5, Kieselguhr 0—5, stabilizer 0-2.5, TNT 85-70%. The TNT is in the form of crushed flakes Ref J. Taylor and S.H. Davidson, BritP 578371 (1946) CA 41, 1842 (1947)... 

Poudrerie Royale de Wetteren SA, BelgP 654268(1965) CA 64, 11022(1966) (Flexible expls are prepd from Nitroglycerin and/or Nitroglycol with plasticized NC and red lead stabilizer. More flexibility can be had by adding diburylphthalate)... 

Several CDs applications have been discussed in Chapter 6. Their lack of toxicity forms the basis for their applications in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and food industries as well as in toiletry and cosmetics [lb, lc]. They are also used or have been proposed to be applied, as sensitizers and stabilizers of dyes in photography, for impregnating paper, as fluorescent and other sensors [28], as corrosion inhibitors and rust proofing materials, UV stabilizers and antioxidants. One of the most spectacular is the prospective use of CDs as biodegradable plastics [29]. The complex of nitroglycerine with p-CDmarketed in Japan was mentioned in Chapter 1 while some other CDs applications have been presented in Chapter 6. 

These propellants are also called colloidal or double-base (DB) propellants and have nitrocellulose (NC) and nitroglycerine (NG) as their principal ingredients. Some ingredients may also be added in small proportions to serve as stabilizer, non-explosive plasticizer, coolant, lubricant, opacifier and burning-rate modifier or other additives to impart desirable properties to the propellants. These propellants are processed into desired shapes by two methods, that is, extrusion and casting. They find wide applications in anti-tank missiles. 

Absorption or migration of nitroglycerine (NG), stabilizer and plasticizer from propellant to inhibitor should be as less as possible so that the physical properties and ballistic performance of the propellant during its storage are not adversely affected to the extent of vitiating their serviceability. 

Fusari, S. A. (1973), Nitroglycerin subhngual tablets II preparation and stability of a new stabilized subhngual molded nitroglycerin tablet, J. Pharm. Sci., 62, 2012. 

Nitroglycerin was marketed for a while in an ointment form for application to the forearm surface. The ointment consisted of a base of petrolatum, the drug, and lactose, which increased the drug s stability and reduced its explosiveness. If it was applied to another body part or another person, there could be some very unpleasant side effects. 

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