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Nitrocellulose

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Nitrocellulose is a widely used ingredient in cosmetics, personal care, and skincare formulations. Depending on its function, it may serve as a moisturizer, preservative, emulsifier, or active ingredient to enhance the overall effectiveness and performance of a product.

Nitrocellulose (Wikipedia)
"Flash paper" redirects here. For the Adobe virtual printer software discontinued in 2008, see FlashPaper.

Nitrocellulose (also known as cellulose nitrate, flash paper, flash cotton, guncotton, pyroxylin and flash string, depending on form) is a highly flammable compound formed by nitrating cellulose through exposure to a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid. One of its first major uses was as guncotton, a replacement for gunpowder as propellant in firearms. It was also used to replace gunpowder as a low-order explosive in mining and other applications. In the form of collodion it was also a critical component in an early photographic emulsion, the use of which revolutionized photography in the 1860s. In the 20th century it was adapted to automobile lacquer and adhesives.

Nitrocellulose
Cosmetic pads made of nitrocellulose
Names
Other names
Cellulose nitrate; Flash paper; Flash cotton; Flash string; Gun cotton; Collodion; Pyroxylin
Identifiers
ChemSpider
  • none
UNII
Properties
(C
6H
9(NO
2)O
5)
n (mononitrocellulose)

(C
6H
8(NO
2)
2O
5)
n (dinitrocellulose)
(C
6H
7(NO
2)
3O
5)
n (trinitrocellulose, pictured in structures above)

Appearance Yellowish white cotton-like filaments
Melting point 160 to 170 °C (320 to 338 °F; 433 to 443 K) (ignites)
Hazards
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
NFPA 704 four-colored diamondHealth 2: Intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury. E.g. chloroformFlammability 3: Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Flash point between 23 and 38 °C (73 and 100 °F). E.g. gasolineInstability 3: Capable of detonation or explosive decomposition but requires a strong initiating source, must be heated under confinement before initiation, reacts explosively with water, or will detonate if severely shocked. E.g. hydrogen peroxideSpecial hazards (white): no code
2
3
3
Flash point 4.4 °C (39.9 °F; 277.5 K)
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC):
10 mg/kg (mouse, IV)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Ben McPherson is a self-taught digital artist renowned for his vibrant and innovative artworks. With a solid foundation in information technology, he has expertly merged his technical acumen with his artistic pursuits. Since the 1990s, he's been a prevalent figure in the marketing IT sector, working with various companies across the Tri-State area. His unique background allows him to infuse his digital art with complexity and a deep understanding of modern technology, setting his work apart in the digital art scene.