Conventional and alternative nitrocellulose stabilisers used in gun propellants

Abstract

The European Union industry must adapt to the requirements of the REACH regulations, which aim to improve human health and to protect the environment by using less toxic chemicals. The technology for producing nitrocellulose propellants utilises stabilisers that bond volatile products with autocatalytic properties of nitroester degradation. During this process, N-nitroso derivatives are formed, which exhibit toxic/carcinogenic properties. Moreover, some of the impurities found in stabilisers are characterised by toxic properties (e.g. in diphenylamine). In recent years, intensive research has been carried out on alternative nitrocellulose stabilisers with properties similar to or better than conventional stabilisers. The published studies on this subject mainly present research on chromatographic analysis, evaluation of stability using various methods and thermochemical analysis.