Ignition of Nitrocellulose in Various Atmospheres
Abstract
Nitrocellulose (NC) remains an important ingredient in modern gun propellants. For fire safety, the ability to extinguish burning NC, or, at least reduce its rate of combustion, would be highly desirable. Toward this end, a study has been conducted on the effect of various gases and powders on the decomposition and/or burning of NC. Chemical analyses were performed to determine the nature of the gases emitted by decomposing and burning NC. Nitric oxide (NO) was the principal nitrogen-containing product of NC decomposition in inert atmospheres when NC was heated by a nichrome ribbon. When air was present, some NO2 was also formed. The amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were also affected by the nature of the gaseous atmosphere. When certain nonreactive powders were mixed with the NC prior to heating with the nichrome ribbon, the combustion or decomposition of NC was greatly reduced. Maintaining power to the ribbon was necessary for combustion to continue. The formation of NO, N02, CO, and CO2 were all affected by the powders. When the powders were simply layered on top of NC, and the NC heated, combustion proceeded essentially as if the powders were not present.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA257987
Entities
People
- Anthony E. Finnerty
- Matthew O. Schroeder
- Steven A. Bowers
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory