|  | Public Health Safety | Public Health

Use of Nitrocellulose

Nitrocellulose is a highly combustible nitric-acid ester of cellulose (An ester is an organic compound formed by the reaction between an acid and an alcohol with elimination of water.) Nitrocellulose is used especially in lacquers, plastics and explosives. It is produced through nitration of cellulose by the help of nitric acid or other powerful nitrating agent. Nitrocellulose is otherwise known as "guncotton" when used for making explosives. It is a highly nitrated product. Nitrocellulose has many applications in both science and industry. In gene cloning techniques, nitrocellulose circles and sheets are used to transfer human DNA from bacteria.

  1. Uses of Nitrocellulose Membrane

    • Nitrocellulose membrane consists of a series of repeating structural units called nitrocellulose polymer. Nitrocellulose membrane is suitable to catch bacteria in a filtration process because its tiny pores can capture microorganisms like bacteria.

    Affinity for Nucleic Acids and Proteins

    • Nitrocellulose forms a strong chemical bonding between nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and proteins (antigens and antibody). Therefore, it reduces or eliminates the free movements of nucleic acids or proteins and immobilizes them. The immobilization of nucleic acids and proteins is broadly used in research and clinical setting where antigen-antibody binding takes place such as U-Albumin tests, CRP or C-reactive protein (i.e. a variety of protein that is found in the blood in some cases of acute inflammation), and pregnancy tests.

    Wound Dressing

    • When nitrocellulose is immersed in organic solvents such as ether and alcohol, a viscous solution is produced called "collodion." It was first used during the Crimean War in 1864 as a coating for wounds.

    Magician's Flash Paper

    • Magician's flash paper is nothing but a piece of paper or cloth made from nitrocellulose that is swiftly combustible in the air, giving a bright flash but leaving no solid residue.

    Use of Nitrocellulose Lacquer

    • Nitrocellulose lacquer was first introduced in the first quarter of the 20th century as a coating material on several musical instruments such as guitars and saxophones. The paint was also applied on automobiles and aircraft. Because of its explosive properties, solid fuel for rockets is sometimes made from nitrocellulose.

    Guncotton

    • Guncotton is a nitric acid ester used in preparing lightweight explosives. Henri Braconnot, a French scientist, first prepared a highly combustible material by combining nitric acid with nitrocellulose in 1832. It was called Xyloiodine. Today, guncotton is a highly modified form of the explosive.
      Guncotton is instantly combustible in the air, leaving little heat or smoke. It is also called "smokeless powder." Previously, guncotton was liable to explode spontaneously; hence it was applicable only for limited uses. Guncotton is now used in a wide range of firearms.

Public Health - Related Articles