Nitrocellulose (Cellulose nitrate), also known as nitrocellulose, collodion, nitrocellulose, cotton collodion, etc., belongs to the nitrate ester class. It is a high molecular weight compound with the molecular formula (C6H7O2CONO2)n and a number-average relative molecular mass of 30,000 to 1,000,000. It is a white or slightly yellow fluffy solid with a melting point of 160 to 170°C, a density of 1.58 to 1.65 g/cm3, and a hardness of 90 to 110 (Rockwell). Due to different conditions in the nitration process, the nitrogen content of nitrocellulose varies, and its solubility and density also vary with the nitrogen content. [5] The auto-ignition point of nitrocellulose is 170°C, and the flash point is 12.8°C (alcohol). It is odorless, tasteless, resistant to water, dilute acids, weak alkalis and various oils, insoluble in water, and soluble in organic solvents such as esters and acetone.
