'Velvrilled' meaning?...

[starshell]

Good morning,

In the context of shell manufacturing, what is the definition of the word 'Velvrilled'?
Is it a similar process to burnishing a surface, or some form of Varnishing?
It seems to pop up quiet often in period manuals, etc.

Also, Pettman cement? Was this a sealant compound or adhesive. What did it consist of?

Many thanks in advance!

 

[TimG]

Velvril was the trade-name of a substance proposed by Velvril Co., Ltd. as a substitute for india-rubber and gutta-percha in many of their uses, especially in electrical insulation. It is a mixture of the nitrocellulose (soluble) with nitrated linseed-oil or castor-oil, preferably the latter.

The substance was used for lining large filled shells to prevent the filling reacting with shell wall and additionally to provide a smooth surface to prevent friction between the filling and the shell wall.

Apparently the composition was as follows -
Zinc oxide – 24 parts
Yellow ochre – 3.5 parts
Red iron oxide – 0.5 parts
Nitrated Castor oil – 15 parts
Nitro-cellulose – 7.5 parts
Acetone – 60 parts.

TimG

Pettman Cement - Similar to this http://www.bocn.co.uk/vbforum/threa...mills-bomb-etc?p=280572&viewfull=1#post280572. Primarily a sealant.

 

[starshell]

Many thanks TimG,

More to it than I thought. Very interesting, thank you.