Effect of Kraft lignins on the stability and thermal decomposition kinetics of nitrocellulose

In this work, the stabilizing effect of softwood and hardwood Kraft lignins on nitrocellulose (NC) was assessed. Four samples containing 3% of stabilizer were prepared. DSC and FTIR analyses have been used to check the compatibility of the different systems. The effect of these organic compounds on the stability of NC has been investigated using the conventional stability tests (Vacuum Stability Test (VST) and Bergmann-Jung (BJ)) and the kinetic modeling. The obtained results via VST and BJ suggested that the prepared mixtures are stable. Furthermore, Kinetic modeling, performed by isoconversional methods based on DSC data, revealed that the new stabilizers displayed excellent thermal stability. The reactivity between different Kraft lignins and NOx has been well highlighted by means of FTIR and TGA techniques as well, confirming the potential of these environmentally friendly substances as promising stabilizers for NC-based propellants.