pyroxylin [key], partially nitrated cellulose (see nitrocellulose). It is used in lacquers, plastics, and artificial leathers. Pyroxylin lacquers are made by dissolving pyroxylin in a mixture of volatile solvents and adding a plasticizer and a pigment or dye. Pyroxylin plastics are made by colloiding pyroxylin with large amounts of a plasticizer such as camphor; such plastics (e.g., celluloid) are highly flammable. Collodion is a solution of pyroxylin in ether and ethanol.
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