Sharon
Yes it is a percussion explosive. Parlodion in a fluffy cotton like form
is known as gun cotton. The strips are easier to handle and store.
If you wish to store it safely then you can keep in a tightly sealed jar
in 70% ethanol. 
The secret is to keep it wet or at least moist. 
If you wish to dispose of it I would suggest that you contact the safety
officer of your institute as even small pieces of dry parlodion give
quite a kick.
It is very expensive to purchase due partly to the safety precautions in
shipping.
Barry

-----Original Message-----
From: Sharron Ladd [mailto:sladd@hsc.usf.edu] 
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2003 7:11 AM
To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: parlodion strip storage and use

Dear Histonet,
I have inherited several jars of parlodion strips. They are not in their

original container so I don't know who the manufacturer is? They are dry

strips in glass jars with the lids screwed on tight. I know this is 
nitrocellulose and it is (or is similar to celloidin). I read the MSDS 
for parlodion and it says: "Presents an unusually severe fire hazard; 
when dry, ignites readly and burns explosively. Should never be kept for

any appreciable time in any dry fibrous state. Unstabilized product 
decomposes generally at relatively low temperature, with evolution of 
copious volumes of toxic and flammable gases..."

Hmmm....I would imagine 10 to 20 years would count as an "appreciable 
(storage) time"...

I talked to our hazardous waste dept. and they said if I don't need it 
then I shouldn't keep it. I would send it off to hazardous waste EXCEPT 
when I was in Long Beach several people were talking about how expensive

celloidin is and if they could afford it they would use it. I feel 
guilty just throwing it away!

Is it really expensive? Am I storing it wrong? Should I dispose of it?

Thanks,
Sharron Ladd
University of South Florida