As a fundamental study for spontaneous ignition of niric esters, thermal degradation process
of nitrocellulose (abbreviated as NC, hereafter) and eddect of stabilizer were examined.
The results of FTIR analysis of NC and that after having been heated suggested that hydroxyl,
hydroperoxide, and carbonyl groups generated, similar to the thermal degradation of usual
polymers. And total calorific value of decomposition reaction decreased, according to the results
of SC - DSC (Sealed Cell - Differential Scanning Calorimetry). The results also suggested that
decomposition temperature became lower, so NC had turned to be a thermally unstable substance.
On the other hand, a little amount of diphenylamine (abbreviated as DPA, hereafter) added
as a stabilizer reduced these changes.