Nitrocellulose, also known as cellulose nitrate, guncotton, collodion wool, Iodion cotton etc, is a highly flammable compound formed by nitrating cellulose ( (C6H10O5)n , eg. cotton) through exposure to a powerful nitrating agent like Nitric Acid. There are many uses of Nitrocellulose (NC). During world war 2, NC was used as a smokeless propellant, replacing gunpowder. NC is also used in films and plastics. For example, ping-pong balls are made out of NC. You might also be familiar with Magician's 'Flash Paper', sheets of nitrated paper (or cloth), which burn instantly, with a bright flash and leave no ash and produce no smoke. Other uses includes rocket propellants, lacquer coatings and waterproof fuses for use in pyrotechnics. Nitrocellulose can have different properties... this is determined by its Nitrogen content. It can be a resistant plastic, or a unstable highly flammable and explosive (when confined) material. Here the procedure for NC synthesis are outlined for educational purposes. It is a relatively safe nitration process, however, the product requires expert handling. Also, extremely dangerous chemicals have to be properly handled (Concentrated Sulphuric Acid and Nitric Acid), as well as other flammable substances (Acetone) make this hazardous for anyone not skilled in chemistry to even attempt. Attempting these procedures is highly discouraged and if you choose to do so, do it at your own risk.
Reactions that will occur in this synthesis are the decomposition of Nitric Acid, and the nitration of cellulose.
HNO3 + H2SO4 → NO2 + H2O + HSO4
(C6H7O(OH)3)n + 3XNO2 + 3XH2O → C6H7O(ONO2)3)x + 3XH3O
Two types of Nitrocellulose synthesis procedures are outlined here, NC trinitrate and NC hexanitrate.
Videos of Nitrocellulose deflagrating
This 686kb WMV clip showcases 4 different amounts of Nitrocellulose being deflagrated, and one clip whereby a coil of Nitrocellulose is lit.
Click here or the picture to download.
Referensi:
http://www.loneoceans.com/labs/nitrocellulose/index.htm