Collodion vs. Nitrocellulose — What's the Difference?

Collodion is a flammable, syrupy solution of nitrocellulose in ether and alcohol. There are two basic types: flexible and non-flexible.

Nitrocellulose (also known as cellulose nitrate, flash paper, flash cotton, guncotton, pyroxylin and flash string, depending on form) is a highly flammable compound formed by nitrating cellulose through exposure to a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid. One of its first major uses was as guncotton, a replacement for gunpowder as propellant in firearms.

A highly flammable, colorless or yellowish syrupy solution of nitrocellulose, ether, and alcohol, used as an adhesive to close small wounds and hold surgical dressings, in topical medications, and for making photographic plates.

Any of various pulpy or cottonlike polymers derived from cellulose treated with nitric and sulfuric acids and used in the manufacture of explosives, lacquers, collodion, celluloid, plastics, and solid monopropellants. Physical properties and use vary with varying nitrogen content of the substance. Also called cellulose nitrate, guncotton, pyroxylin.

A syrupy solution of nitrocellulose (pyroxylin) in alcohol and ether that evaporates on a surface to form a clear elastic film; used in surgical dressings, photographic plates and lacquer paints.

(organic compound) A cotton-like material, made from cellulose by the action of nitric and sulphuric acids, used in the manufacture of explosives, collodion etc.

A solution of pyroxylin (soluble gun cotton) in ether containing a varying proportion of alcohol. It is strongly adhesive, and is used by surgeons as a coating for wounds; but its chief application is as a vehicle for the sensitive film in photography.

See Gun cotton, under Gun.

A colorless syrupy solution of pyroxylin in ether and alcohol; used as a coating for wounds or photographic films

Nitric acid esters; used in lacquers and explosives