The purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanism whereby a protective animal colloid acts to prevent agglomeration of solvated nitrocellulose spheres during the manufacture of small arms propellant. To accomplish this, glycine and several glycine-containing peptides were incorporated into cast films of nitrocellulose and studied by means of infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Also, each of the amino acids and peptides were studied by means of infrared spectroscopy in water solution with suspended di-n-butyl phthalate present. The resulting interactions are described.