Stability of Cellulose Ester Base Photographic Film: Part III — Measurement of Film Degradation

P. Z. Adelstein, J. M. Reilly, D. W. Nishimura, C. J. Erbland

The degradation of safety cellulose ester base photographic film is evidenced by the release of acetic acid or other organic acids, thus the name “vinegar syndrome. ” Deterioration is also accompanied by a decrease in pH, tensile properties of the base, and wet strength of the emulsion. The acid increase can be measured by leaching the acid in 38°C water, followed by titration with sodium hydroxide. A similar procedure has been developed for use with cellulose nitrate film. The water-leaching titration method is more sensitive than pH or physical properties measurements, but suffers from the disadvantages that it requires laboratory skills and is destructive of the film. A nondestructive field test using an acid-base indicator paper has been developed.

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Published
1995-05
Content type
Original Research
DOI
10.5594/J15292