Enhancing Nitrocellulose Stability: Unveiling the Thermal Properties and Kinetic Degradation Mechanisms With Some Innovative Hybrid Stabilizers

ABSTRACT Nitrocellulose (NC) is a highly energetic material used in various military and civilian applications. Nevertheless, the inherent instability of NC poses safety and storage lifetimes challenges. To address this issue, traditional stabilizers have been used to improve the thermal stability of NC. In this study, we investigate the effectiveness of novel hybrid stabilizers in enhancing the thermal stability of NC. We have prepared a series of NC samples supplemented with different hybrid stabilizers, including combinations Of 2‐nitrodiphenylamine (2‐NDPA) along with cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and manganese (Mn) ion‐exchanged sodium mordenite (NaMOR) zeolite. The prepared samples underwent structural characterizations to study their chemical compatibility and chemical structures. Furthermore, their thermal behavior were assessed using a range of analytical techniques, including C80 microcalorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and standardized tests like the methyl violet (MV), vacuum stability, and Bergmann–Junk (B&J) protocols. Experimental results confirmed the good compatibility between the hybrid stabilizer components and NC matrix. Results from TGA and C80 microcalorimetry demonstrated that combining 2‐NDPA with the ion‐exchange NaMOR has a synergistic effect. This combination not only enhances the stability of NC but also reduces its rate of degradation compared to using 2‐NDPA alone. Additionally, accelerated thermal aging tests emphasized the effectiveness of the hybrid stabilizer systems, demonstrating their ability to scavenge nitroxide radicals and mitigate the harmful effects of free radicals produced during the pyrolysis of NC. Thermo‐kinetic results clearly indicated a significant increase in activation energy ( E a ) and the pre‐exponential factor (log( A )) after the addition of the designed stabilizers. Compared to pristine NC, the E a increased by a substantial margin of 37–74 kJ/mol, whereas the log( A ) rose by 4.2–8.3 s −1 , indicating enhanced thermal stability and a slower rate of decomposition. This research highlights the potential of hybrid stabilizers as a viable alternative to traditional stabilizers for NC, paving the way for the development of safer and more effective nitrate ester‐based energetic materials (NEEMs).