High-speed footage of a ball of nitrocellulose being ignited and exploding. Nitrocellulose comprises cellulose fibres, for instance from cotton, that have been nitrated in nitric acid. When dried, it is a powerful explosive. Nitrocellulose, also known as guncotton, formed the basis of many propellents in firearms and artillery guns since its invention in the mid-19th century to the middle of the 20th century. Its rapid decomposition produces only gaseous products, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and steam.