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Author: Subject: Guncotton acid ratios
Oscilllator
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[*] posted on 27-2-2014 at 00:33
Guncotton acid ratios


I have seen numerous different values for the amounts that should be used when nitrating HNO3, however I have seen very few that use 95%+ HNO3 such as I have. What are the optimum ratios of 98% H2SO4: 95%+ HNO3: cellulose? And is there anything wrong with leaving my cotton to nitrate for more tan the usual 10-30 minute?

The reason I ask is because before when I have nitrated I have used a gross excess of acids, because I was only nitrating 1-2 cotton balls at a time and so yield didn't matter. This time around I want to get the best yield possible without compromising the quality of the nitrocellulose produced. This is important as I intend to light the stuff on my hand (dont worry, I've done it many times before:D)

P.S. If this proves to be a question easily answered feel free to move it to the quick questions thread after it has been answered.




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Motherload
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[*] posted on 27-2-2014 at 01:45


I suspect it to be more related to temperature than time.
My Pentaerythritol doesn't even start to nitrate till about 17*C.
I could spend hours at 5*C and nothing would happen.
But past 25*C the nitration is almost instantaneous with the temp
climbing as more and more water is produced.
That needs good regulation ...... Otherwise it would lead to a runaway !!!




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VladimirLem
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[*] posted on 27-2-2014 at 09:54


Quote: Originally posted by Motherload  

My Pentaerythritol doesn't even start to nitrate till about 17*C.
I could spend hours at 5*C and nothing would happen.


the hell? never heard of that :o
it worked allways very well, even at 5C
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