Nitrocellulose (also known as cellulose nitrate) is a nitrated ester of cellulose produced by treating cotton linters or wood pulp with a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids. It is one of the most important film-forming resins in the coatings and ink industry, valued for its rapid solvent release, excellent adhesion, transparent film formation, and good compatibility with a wide range of resins and plasticizers.
Available in multiple nitrogen content grades (Type L: 10.7-11.4%, Type M: 11.4-11.7%, Type H: 11.5-12.2%), nitrocellulose is classified by viscosity (from 1/32 second to 120 second) to suit different application requirements. Lower viscosity grades produce harder films; higher viscosity grades offer better film build and flexibility. We supply industrial-grade nitrocellulose wetted with 30% water or ethanol for safe transport and storage, in compliance with UN 2557 regulations.
| Molecular Formula | (C6H7N3O11)n / [C6H7O2(ONO2)3]n |
| Molecular Weight | ~297.15 g/mol (monomer unit) |
| Appearance | White to cream fibrous or flaky solid (wetted) |
| Odor | Faint alcohol-like odor (when alcohol-wetted) |
| Density | ~1.65-1.67 g/cm3 |
| Ignition Point | ≥ 180°C |
| Thermal Stability (80°C) | ≥ 10 minutes |
| Solubility | Soluble in acetone, ethyl acetate, ethanol (Type L); insoluble in water |
| Acidity (as H2SO4) | ≤ 0.08% |
| Ash Content | ≤ 0.2% |
| Product Name | Nitrocellulose (Cellulose Nitrate) |
| CAS Number | 9004-70-0 |
| EINECS Number | 618-392-2 |
| HS Code | 39122000 |
| Nitrogen Content | Type L: 10.7-11.4% | Type M: 11.4-11.7% | Type H: 11.5-12.2% |
| Viscosity Grades | 1/32s, 1/16s, 1/8s, 1/4s, 1/2s, 1s, 3s, 5s, 10s, 30s, 60s, 120s |
| Transmittance | ≥ 85% (Qualified) to ≥ 93% (Excellent) |
| Whiteness | ≥ 82% (Qualified) to ≥ 88% (Excellent) |
| Damping Agent | 25-40% (water or ethanol) |
| Water Content (alcohol-wetted) | ≤ 6% |
| Grade | Industrial / Coating Grade |
| UN Number | UN 2557 (wetted) |
| Hazard Class | 4.1 (Flammable Solid) |
| Packing Group | II |
| Package Type | Iron drum or fiber drum with inner PE bag |
| Wetting Agent | 30% water or 30% ethanol (per customer request) |
| Container Loading | ~12-14 MT per 20ft container |
| Shelf Life | 12 months under proper storage conditions |
Nitrocellulose is a Class 4.1 flammable solid. It must be transported and stored wetted with water or alcohol (minimum 25% moisture content) to prevent ignition. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and direct sunlight. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated, fireproof area. Avoid contact with strong acids, alkalis, and oxidizers. Ground all equipment to prevent static discharge. Use explosion-proof electrical equipment in storage areas.
Q: What is the difference between Type L and Type H nitrocellulose?
Type L (10.7-11.4% nitrogen) is alcohol-soluble, preferred for printing inks and heat-sealable films. Type H (11.5-12.2% nitrogen) is ester-soluble, preferred for wood coatings and lacquers due to better film hardness and water resistance.
Q: Can you provide custom viscosity grades?
Yes, we supply all standard viscosity grades from 1/32s to 120s. Custom blends are available for orders above 5 MT.
Q: Do you provide COA and MSDS?
Yes, Certificate of Analysis (COA) is provided with every shipment batch. MSDS is available upon request.
