Oat-Hull Cellulose Nitrates for Explosive Compositions

Abstract

Cellulose nitrates corresponding in the basic properties to high-viscosity lacquer-grade colloxylin were prepared by esterification of cellulose pulp, isolated from domestic rapidly renewable feedstock—agroindustrial waste—oat hulls, or cotton cellulose with a sulfuric and nitric acid mixture. The experimental samples of cellulose nitrates were comparatively evaluated. The IR and ¹³С NMR spectroscopy data confirmed the identity of chemical structure. High chemical purity of samples was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry and ampule chromatography procedure. The cellulose nitrate samples have satisfactory mechanical sensitivity level: the lower limit of impact sensitivity is 50 mm and that of friction sensitivity is 1200 kgf/cm²; they have good chemical compatibility and high chemical stability when blended with plasticizers. The obtained results attest to expediency of using cellulose nitrates from oat hulls as a component of explosive compositions.