Nitrocelulosa

Substance comprising a mixture of nitric esters of cellulose and a highly flammable compound containing more than approximately 12.5 percent nitrogen. Nitrocellulose is a fluffy white substance that retains some of the fibrous structure of untreated cellulose. It is not stable to heat and will ignite easily. It was first introduced in the 19th century as an explosive. It was used to produce animation cels for 80 years until acetate was introduced as a safer medium in the 1950s. Cellulose nitrate was often used for clear lacquers, fabric dopes, adhesives, high-gloss paints, and mixed with natural resins (dammar, shellac, copal, etc) to create a waterproof varnish. Cellulose nitrate is inherently unstable and slowly decomposes at room temperature.