A novel, low-cost, and high-efficiency method for nitrocellulose synthesis from plasma-modified cellulose

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Cellulose modification is crucial for advanced material applications.
• Improving the efficiency and quality of nitrocellulose production is an ongoing challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of vacuum oxygen plasma processing on alpha-cellulose.
• To evaluate the impact of plasma treatment on the subsequent nitration process and nitrocellulose quality.

Main Methods:

• Alpha-cellulose was treated using vacuum oxygen plasma.
• The modified cellulose was then subjected to nitration.
• Characterization of physical changes and chemical composition was performed.

Main Results:

• Plasma treatment increased cellulose hydrophilicity, cross-sectional area, and surface roughness.
• Reduced acid consumption (from 1:60 to 1:40 ratio) and increased nitrogen content (11.8%) were achieved.
• Enhanced nitrator and autoclave capacity by 15%, yielding transparent and soft nitrocellulose lacquer.

Conclusions:

• Vacuum oxygen plasma processing is an effective method for modifying alpha-cellulose.
• This surface modification significantly improves the efficiency and economics of nitrocellulose production.
• The resulting nitrocellulose exhibits superior properties for lacquer applications.