Military Potassium Iodide Starch Test Paper should be used in conjunction with an Abel Test Apparatus to monitor the stability of nitrocellulose propellants by measuring the time interval needed to evolve nitrogen oxide gases from a heated sample. As nitrocellulose propellants degrade, they generate nitrogen oxide. This nitrogen oxide is detected by a color change of the Military Potassium Iodide Test Paper.
Military Potassium Iodide Starch Test Paper employs the Potassium Iodide Starch indicator method, and it is produced under strictly controlled conditions. The test strips change to a blue/purple (Starch Iodide complex) color when the decomposition products of nitrocellulose are present. There is no color chart included.
The Military Potassium Iodide Starch Test is one of a group of test methods, along with the Military Methyl Violet Test used to assess the stability of nitrocellulose propellants.
