Coffee Stains

[mrwizard]

Hello Alan,

You are correct if you want to set up a controlled process to manufacture nitrocellulose (gun cotton) which is relatively stable.
Just combining cotton and nitric acid by itself, may lead to a highy unstable explosive material (xyloïdine).
see page 245 and following in T.L. Davis "The Chemistry of Powder and Explosives" http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/559...w1m9v49ztfc2bu

If or if not that happens depends on many process parameters (e.g. temperature, concentration, luck). Ditching a cotton rag in nital and then letting it dry is in my opinion like tossing some dice. IMHO the rag should at least be extensively watered before it begins to dry.

Nital by itself is a dangerous substance:
http://www.ab.ust.hk/hseo/tips/ls/ls005.htm

Even some on first sight harmless substance like lineseed oil may become dangerous if the safety protocols are not followed: http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/i...uscombust.html

Best Regards,
Thilo