Fundamental aspects of the degradation of cellulose triacetate base cinematograph film

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0141-3910(89)81016-XGet rights and content

Abstract

The effects of photographic processing and metal ion contaminants on the degradation characteristics of cellulose triacetate cinematograph film have been examined. Both naturally and artificially agedfilms have been analysed by viscometry and infrared spectroscopy, and for moisture regain and acidity. The results obtained from examination of the photographic process suggest that the redox nature of many reagents used in the latter stages of photographic processing is a significant contributor to the reduction in induction period observed prior to degradation. Many of these results are confirmed by both incorporation of transition metal ions into non-degraded cellulose triacetate films and by analysis for such ions in naturally agedfilms. Degradation pathways of both a thermo-hydrolytic and a thermo-oxidative nature are thus suggested, along with underlying implications for stabilisation.

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