Nitrocellulose literature review characterization and application to modern gun propellants

Clearly, nitrocellulose characterization is a difficult task. However, previous investigators have developed the required methodology for application to new studies. Solution properties of nitrocellulose are especially complex, depending on solvent properties, temperature, nitrocellulose molecular weight characteristics and nitrocellulose DOS homogeneity. The realization of the time dependance of these properties has added to the complexity. Mechanical characterization of nitrocellulose propellants appears to be an emerging technology. The morphological intricacy of nitrocellulose propellants in addition to the chemical complexity of nitrocellulose has hampered direct correlation of the polymeric properties of nitrocellulose wi th propellant mechanical behavior and subsequently ballistic performance.