Preparation and characterization of nitrocellulose from bacterial cellulose for propellant uses

Nitrocellulose has attracted great interest amongst researchers due to its uses in a wide range of products including paint and gun propellant. This study focuses on the synthesis of nitrocellulose from bacterial cellulose via nitration method. It is important to obtain cellulose nitrate with a high percentage of nitrogen content so that it can be used as an ingredient in propellant. The experiments were carried out at various times of reaction; 30, 60 and 90 min. The samples were then characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and surface electron morphology (SEM). FTIR shows the presence of NO2 groups in nitrocellulose, proving that it was successfully synthesized by nitration method. This result is supported by SEM result which demonstrates different morphologies between pure and modified cellulose. As a conclusion, the optimum reaction time obtained in synthesizing nitrocellulose is 60 min with nitrogen content of 12.1%. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.