The Stability of Kodak Professional Motion-Picture Film Bases
This article discusses the stabilities of the three supports used on commercial motion-picture film manufactured by the Eastman Kodak Co.: cellulose nitrate, cellulose triacetate, and polyethylene terephthalate (polyester). Cellulose nitrate is the least stable; cellulose triacetate and polyester supports are much more stable. When films are stored in the recommended conditions described in SMPTE RP131, they will last for at least several hundred years. The mechanisms of degradation for each support are discussed. The history of the manufacture and chemistry of these supports is reviewed. Finally, proposals are made for future research that will answer questions posed by motion-picture archivists.
- Print ISSN
- 0036-1682
- Published
- 1988-11
- Content type
- Original Research
- DOI
- 10.5594/J06503
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