Industrial nitrocellulose produced by the Nitrocellulose Group has a nitrogen content between 10.7% and 12.2% with product specially manufactured within three ranges.

The nitrogen content of the nitrocellulose affects the polymer solubility and its thermoplasticity. Low nitrogen grades are extremely soluble in alcohol. They are used in the formulation of spirit based inks, such as flexographic packaging inks. Low nitrogen grades are also used where higher thermoplasticity is required, such as in heat – seal lacquers. High nitrogen grades are preferred in general lacquer applications because of their superior compatibility with a wider range of resin types and higher tolerance for aromatic diluents. Their use can result in the formulation of more economical solvent mixes. Extensive tests of lacquers containing nitrocellulose of all nitrogen types show that nitrogen content does not affect durability.

As with all polymers, the strength and durability of the nitrocellulose lacquer film depends on the polymer molecular weight, which in turn is related to the product’s viscosity. Our nitrocellulose I produced in a range of viscosities to give formulators almost unlimited flexibility. Full product specifications are available on request.

We recommend the lowest viscosity grades for high solid inks and lacquers where high gloss and build are more important than durability and high file strength. Film strength improves as the viscosity increased. The higher viscosity grades typically are used where durability and/or flexibility are required, such as in wood coatings, auto refinish paints and film coatings for cellophane.