KTH builds Swedish expertise in nitrocellulose

The Svenskt Krut competence centre brings together KTH, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) and Swedish industry. Over five years, researchers and engineers will investigate how Sweden can strengthen its capabilities in nitrocellulose and nitrocellulose-based propellants.

The initiative is driven by the need to strengthen Sweden’s domestic supply capacity.

“We are building something that Sweden needs to establish – a comprehensive scientific environment focused on nitrocellulose and propellants. This is just as much about understanding the materials as it is about educating the engineers and researchers who will help ensure Sweden’s supply capacity in the decades to come,” says Daniel Söderberg, director of Svenskt Krut and professor at KTH.

FMV comments on its participation:

“For us, access to qualified expertise is essential to being able to set the right requirements and make the right assessments. A centre of this kind strengthens the entire chain, from research to procurement and use,” says Carl-Axel Blomdahl, head of Army Materiel, Weapons & Protection at FMV.

Using Swedish raw materials

Nitrocellulose is a key raw material in conventional propellants. One important question is how it can be produced using Swedish raw materials. Today, cotton is the main raw material used, but Sweden has another resource available: its forests.

Forest-based cellulose could provide an alternative to cotton. But switching raw materials is not straightforward. The properties of cellulose affect the behaviour of the material throughout the manufacturing process and in the final product. This is an area where important knowledge gaps remain.

The centre will also investigate what happens to nitrocellulose over time. The material degrades slowly, making knowledge about ageing and storage important. Researchers will study degradation processes, new stabilisers and methods for assessing the material’s service life.

“It feels both important and exciting to lead an initiative that can strengthen Sweden’s own defence capabilities. We will build knowledge and expertise for the future while also making use of advanced characterisation, modelling and AI. It is a highly focused and exciting research challenge,” Söderberg says.

Next generation of expertise

FOI will contribute expertise in energetic materials, testing and safety assessments. The institute will also serve as the main research environment for studies of ageing.

“Understanding the properties of nitrocellulose and how the material can be handled safely is crucial both for research and for its use. We contribute extensive experience in energetic materials and an environment where testing can be carried out safely,” says Henric Östmark, research director for Energetic Materials at FOI.

Svenskt Krut will also help build the next generation of expertise. Doctoral students and researchers will take part in joint training, while industry and government agencies will be offered shorter courses. Conferences and seminars will help bring the different stakeholders together.

The initiative will run from 2026 to 2031 and is funded by FMV with SEK 100 million. The goal is for Sweden to be in a stronger position after five years – with greater knowledge of raw materials and materials, a better understanding of manufacturing processes, and a broader skills base to strengthen national supply capacity.