Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Nitrocellulose just smolders.. (second try)

Maui3 - 29-10-2024 at 09:31

My nitrocellulose doesn't burn it just smolders.. I used fuming nitric acid + conc. sulfuric acid for the nitration in an ice bath for 1 hour. It doesn't even burn like normal cotton.. the cotton still has a biitt of undissolved base, but it's not a lot. It's also still a bit wet.. but even then I think it would burn, not smolder?

Sir_Gawain - 29-10-2024 at 10:49

First of all, wash your nitrocellulose thoroughly with pure water. Any base left over from neutralization will affect the burn rate. Place the nitrocellulose in a towel and squeeze out as much water as you can. Tear it into tiny pieces and spread it out to dry for a few days. Even a small amount of dampness left will render it nonflammable.

Maui3 - 29-10-2024 at 11:17

Thank you Sir_Gawain! I'll try that..