Effect of metal chloride on thermal decomposition of nitrocellulose

Abstract

The effect of various metal chlorides, namely FeCl3, AlCl3, CuCl2, and ZnCl2, on the thermal decomposition of nitrocellulose (NC) was studied using a synchronous thermal analyzer (STA). An aqueous solution of 10 mass% metal chlorides was added to NC and was then compared with pure NC. The results revealed that FeCl3 and AlCl3 promoted notable NC decomposition, but CuCl2 and ZnCl2 inhibited decomposition. Therefore, the addition of trivalent metal chlorides can increase the explosion risk in NC. By contrast, divalent metal chlorides can function as inhibitors. In addition, the kinetics of NC and NC mixed with metal chloride were determined. The addition of metal chlorides promoted or inhibited NC decomposition but did not change its reaction mechanism. This study provides crucial information for improving the safety of NC storage, transportation, and use.

Keywords

• Thermal decomposition
• Synchronous thermal analyzer
• Inhibited decomposition
• Explosion risk
• Reaction mechanism