Benzoates as deterrents for small arms propellants

Abstract The depth of penetration of a homologous series of benzoic acid esters into a spherical nitrocellulose matrix was studied. It was found that the depth of penetration was related to the shift in infrared hydroxyl stretching frequency when the individual esters were incorporated into cast films of nitrocellulose. Further, these findings are discussed in terms of Taft's σ * values for the individual esters. Conclusions regarding the use of benzoic acid esters as deterrents for small arms propellants were made.