Stability of Cellulose Ester Base Photographic Film: Part IV—Behavior of Nitrate Base Film

Abstract

Cellulose nitrate base photographic film has long been considered to be an inherently unstable material. However, recent research has indicated that this is not necessarily so. A study of the stability of five nitrate base films in storage showed a wide variation among them. Some are predicted to be unusable within several decades, while others are expected to still be in good condition after several centuries of storage at room temperature and moderate humidity. This wide diversity of inherent chemical stability is also reflected in a broader survey of nitrate base films stored in film archives. An acidity test is considered the best measure of their relative stability and future behavior.