Nitrocellulose Meaning
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nitrocellulose
ni-tro-cel-lu-lose
🇺🇸 /ˌnaɪtɹoʊˈsɛɫjəˌɫoʊs/
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🇬🇧 /nˌaɪtɹəʊsˈɛljuːlˌəʊz/
Quick facts about “nitrocellulose”
Nitrocellulose is a 5-syllable English word (ni-tro-cel-lu-lose). It is pronounced /ˌnaɪtɹoʊˈsɛɫjəˌɫoʊs/ in American English and /nˌaɪtɹəʊsˈɛljuːlˌəʊz/ in British English.
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“nitrocellulose” in historical uses
- In the late 1800s, it was used to create the first commercially viable photographic films.
- During World War I, this material was used in artillery shells and as a propellant in ammunition.
“nitrocellulose” in art and photography
- The film used in early motion pictures was often made from this flammable substance, giving rise to the term 'film nitrate'.
- Photographers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries relied on nitrocellulose film for high-quality images.
“nitrocellulose” in science and chemistry
- As a polymer, it is one of the first synthetic plastics ever made, demonstrating the versatility of plant materials.
- It is created by replacing some hydroxyl groups in cellulose with nitro groups, altering its flammability and solubility properties.
“nitrocellulose” in safety and regulations
- Due to its highly explosive nature, nitrocellulose is categorized as a hazardous material and is heavily regulated.
- In storage, it must be kept in a cool, dry place to prevent accidental ignition or decomposition.