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Nitrocellulose Paint

Nitrocellulose (also called cellulose nitrate, flash paper or gun cotton) is an extremely inflammable material formed by the reaction of cellulose with a strong nitrating agent such as nitric acid. Nitrocellulose is used in paints, lacquers, varnishes and inks. DuPont has been amongst the largest and most widely known manufacturer of nitrocellulose paints and lacquers.

  1. Properties

    • Nitrocellulose, as well as paints and lacquers based on this compound, are stable under normal temperatures and pressures. However, this compound is extremely heat and shock-sensitive, and will break down into toxic gases such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. It also reacts with oxidizing agents as well as acids and bases. Nitrocellulose paint has a nice appearance and is easy to use. However, it has a tendency to crack, deteriorates relatively quickly, is not very stable (especially in environments with varying conditions) and has a typical durability of about two years.

    Industrial Uses

    • Nitrocellulose paint is largely used as a relatively uncommon type of varnish and is most commonly used in applications where it is required to give a timber finish, such as in the case of musical instruments (like guitars and saxophones). It is also used as car paint in the automobile industry, or for painting of some aircraft components. Further, nitrocellulose lacquer is used in the manufacturing of specific type of phonograph records (called acetate discs), by coating the lacquer onto aluminum or glass disc and then a cutting a groove, which may then be used as masters or in dance clubs.

    Safety Measures in Handling Nitrocellulose Based Materials

    • As nitrocellulose is unstable and explosive, there is a likelihood of fire in paints and ink manufacturing industrial outfits that use it, if proper safety precautions are not taken. Since dry nitrocellulose is sensitive to heat and impact, materials having this compound should not be allowed to dry out.

    Storage

    • Excess nitrocellulose based materials should never be stored in the inventory and it should also be ensured that the stock with earliest date is first consumed. Storage should always be in an upright position, in a stable and shock resistant environment that is properly ventilated, and away from all possible sources of heat, ignition and static electricity. Care should be taken to only use grounded non-ferrous (and non-plastic) tools for handling nitrocellulose based materials.

    Health Hazards

    • Nitrocellulose or the resulting constituent gases can not only be an irritant to the respiratory system, skin and eyes, but are also fatal and suffocating if inhaled in large amounts. Long-term exposures can potentially cause serious chronic disorders of the kidney, liver, central nervous system and the eye.

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