Studies on kinetics and mechanism of initial thermal decomposition of nitrocellulose

The thermal decomposition of nitrocellulose (NC) 12.1% N, has been studied with regard to kinetics, mechanism, morphology and the gaseous products thereof, using thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), IR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and hot stage microscopy. The kinetics of the initial stage of thermolysis ofNC in condensed state has been investigated by isothermal high temperature infrared spectroscopy (IR). The decomposition ofNC in KBr matrix in the temperature range of 142–151°C shows rapid decrease in O?NO₂ band intensity, suggesting that the decomposition of NC occurs by the rupture of O?NO₂ bond. The energy of activation for this process has been determined with the help of Avrami-Erofe'ev equation (n=1) and is ≈188.35 kJ·mol^?1. Further, the IR spectra of the decomposition products in the initial stage of thermal decomposition ofNC, indicates the presence of mainly NO₂ gas and aldehyde.