by Tyler Barth
PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - The Armaments Center’s propulsion technology engineers have much to be proud of, as their Manufacturing of Precursor Foamable Celluloid Materials project received the DoW Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Service Recognition Award on Monday, Aug. 10.
As part of ManTech’s 70th anniversary, a call among Joint Defense Manufacturing Technology Panel principals was issued for the 2026 “Best of the Best” Defense Manufacturing Technology Achievement Awards. Each Service and Agency chose one top project, and after voting, the Manufacturing of Precursor Foamable Celluloid Materials
project was selected as the top project for the OSW ManTech Manufacturing Science and Technology Program (MSTP).
In 2018, the Office of the Secretary of War and the MSTP funded an effort to establish a manufacturing source on North American soil for precursor foamable celluloid materials in both sheet and bead forms. These materials are highly critical for producing reinforced foamed celluloid combustible components used across the U.S.’s munitions portfolio, forming the basis of combustible structural components which burn cleanly during firing,
supporting consistent ballistics performance.
Prior to this, the materials were produced only in non-qualified countries, using labor-intensive and hazardous processes that did not meet U.S. energetic safety standards or environmental regulations. The Armaments Center’s engineers partnered with industry to analyze the legacy foreign process in detail, after which they developed new semicontinuous manufacturing methods which are safer, require less solvent and have
increased output. These processes were transitioned to an approved propellant manufacturer, enabling production-scale quantities of precursor materials and establishing a National Technology and Industrial Base source in North America.
The precursor materials support the production of reinforced foamed celluloid combustible cases for use in multiple munitions, such as 155 mm artillery, mortars and tank cartridges. The technology has demonstrated clean-burning performance with little to no in-bore debris and a considerable reduction in pressure waves, resulting in smoother pressure-time curves and enhanced weapon safety.
Domestic manufacturing improvements now allows for the efficient and safe production of reinforced foamed celluloid components. Having this capability on North American soil reduces the dependence on a single supplier, encourages competition, and supports use across the U.S. Military’s branches.
Such technology can be shared through cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs), and licensing, which will allow it to spread to additional defense programs and perhaps civilian applications.
| Date Taken: |
09.09.2026 |
| Date Posted: |
09.09.2026 13:15 |
| Story ID: |
574178 |
| Location: |
PICATINNY ARSENAL, NEW JERSEY, US |
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