Nitrocellulose – propellant grades

Basic types of propellant grades

The production programme of Synthesia, a.s. includes a complete assortment of Propellant Nitrocellulose in accordance with US MIL Standards (MIL-DTL-244C).

Due to our long-term experience and flexibility of our production we are able to modify some nitrocellulose parameters and laboratory methods to requirements of European standards, too.

Here you can find an overview of most often produced types, including their Technical Specifications.

However, we can characterise our production of nitrocellulose as being highly flexible, while a great many quality parameters of propellant nitrocellulose can be adjusted to suit the individual requirements of our customers. Therefore it is necessary to consider the specifications published on these sites as examples only.

Quality parameters

• For determination of nitrocellulose viscosity value we apply the Höppler method or the ball method according to the US Military Standard MIL-DTL-244C.
• The basic method for determination of nitrocellulose stability is the Bergmann-Junk test at the temperature of 132°C. Application of additional methods is subject to individual agreement.
• We can mostly adjust many other quality parameters (nitrogen content, fineness, solubility, viscosity, ash content, insoluble residue in acetone, water content, etc.) to consumer´s individual requirements.

Moistening component

• Nitrocellulose ranks among hazardous substances. To minimise its dangerous properties, it is necessary (in compliance with international regulations) to maintain a certain level of moistening component in the material. Thus nitrocellulose, while being transported or stored, must be maintained in a wet condition (the content of the moistening component must not fall below 25%).
• We deliver propellant nitrocellulose, as offered by Synthesia, a.s., moistened with water. In exceptional cases and for a narrow circle of customers we even deliver some grades of this nitrocellulose (with nitrogen content up to 12.59 %) moistened with ethanol.

Moistening

The content of the moistening component fluctuates around the level of 30%, but it can be adjusted to individual requirements of our customers.

Samples of specifications