Biosynthesis of Beta-Nitropropionic Acid and Its Esterification to Cellulose

摘要

Nitrocellulose has unique properties that make it desirable as a gun propellant. Most of these desirable properties center on the structural integrity of the modified polymer and is, in part, inherited from the hydrogen bonded structure of the base polymer-cellulose. The structure/property relationships wherein degree of nitration and molecular weight ranges were the controlled variables have been reported. In addition to the hydrogen bonding having an effect on physical structure, residual cellulosic hydroxyl groups act as an hydration locus which lowers the thermal and mechanical sensitivity of the material. The production of nitrocellulose, as with most explosives and propellants, is an energy intensive process since the components of the mixed acid nitration mixtures are the products of either high pressure technology (ammonia production) or require special materials for synthesis and storage. Keywords: Beta-nitropropionic acid, Enzymes, Nitration semisynthetic enzymes, Cellulose derivatives, Esterification.