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Annotated Bibliography and Useful Links
This annotated bibliography gives a list of sources of
information related to cellulose acetate preservation that the National Library
of Australia found useful during the Cellulose Acetate Project. Wherever
possible, annotations have been provided to give a better idea of the topic /
usefulness of the source.
This page also provides some useful
links to websites that present relevant information about cellulose
acetate.
Any additions to this bibliography or the links relating to
the preservation of cellulose acetate materials is most welcome. Please contact
the National & International Preservation
Activities section to arrange for your references to be added.
A B
C D E F
G H I J
K L M N O
P Q R S T U
V W X Y Z
Adelstein, P. Z., Bigourdan, J-L. & Reilly, J.
M. 1997, 'Moisture relationships of photographic film', JAIC, vol. 36,
pp 193 206, or online at
http://aic.stanford.edu/jaic/articles/jaic36-03-002_indx.html.
Content: This article presents data on the
effect of temperature on the moisture equilibrium curve. The implications of
these data for accelerated incubation studies, the temperature effect on the
rates of moisture conditioning on film in several practical storage
configurations and enclosures, and the moisture protection afforded by
different enclosures are discussed.
Adelstein, P. Z. & McCrea, J. L. 1981,
'Stability of processed polyester base photographic films', Journal of
Applied Photographic Engineering, vol. 7, no. 6, pp 160
167.
Content: Compares the stability of cellulose
triacetate and polyethylene terephthalate base films under various
conditions.
Adelstein, P. Z. et al. 1992, 'Stability of
cellulose ester base photographic film: part I Laboratory Procedures',
SMPTE Journal, vol. 101, no. 5, May, pp 336 346.
Content: Outlines major gaps in knowledge, or
areas of contention, related to cellulose acetate degradation. Describes
several experiments, including an investigation of the stability of the two
mixed esters, and the effect of gelatin layer on film.
Adelstein, P. Z. et al. 1992, 'Stability of
cellulose ester base photographic film: Part II practical storage
considerations', SMPTE Journal, vol. 101, no. 5, May, pp 347
353.
Content: Compares the stability of all
cellulose acetate types, including mixed esters (found them to be very
similar). Outlines the importance of cool, dry storage in extending film
life.
Adelstein, P. Z. et al. 1995, 'Stability of
cellulose ester base photographic film: Part III measurement of film
degradation', SMPTE Journal, vol. 104, no. 5, May, pp 281
291.
Content: Discusses the measurement of film
degradation using destructive leaching and titration methods. Explores non
destructive tests including the development of an acid-base indicator strip to
measure free acidity.
Adelstein, P. Z. et al. 1995, 'Stability of
cellulose ester base photographic film: Part IV behavior of nitrate base
film', SMPTE Journal, vol. 104, no. 6, June, pp359
369.
Content: Challenges the view that nitrate
film base is an inherently unstable material by studying five nitrate base
films in storage. Tests showed varying degrees of degradation, suggesting that
collection managers should give films with high free acidity levels priority
for preservation copying rather than assume all nitrate films should be
copied.
Adelstein, P. Z. et al. 1995, 'Stability of
cellulose ester base photographic film: Part V Recent findings',
SMPTE Journal, vol. 104, no. 7, July, pp 439 447.
Content: Summarizes research on film-base
stability including results of long-term incubation of polyester, infectious
behaviour in degrading acetate base film and confidence in Arrhenius-type
projections of film life.
Albright, G. 1992, Duplication of Historical
Negatives, Northeast Document Conservation Centre, Andover, or online at
http://www.nedcc.org/plam3/tleaf53.htm.
Content: Discusses the reasons for
duplication and what may need to be duplicated. Looks at the various types of
duplication available and their pros and cons, including relative cost and
quality.
Allen, N. S. et al. 1988, 'Acid-catalysed
degradation of historic cellulose triacetate, cinematographic film: influence
of various film parameters, European Polymer Journal, vol. 24, no. 8,
pp 707 712.
Content: Outlines various external parameters
that may have an effect on cellulose triacetate degradation, eg temperature,
humidity, plasticiser, iron etc. Looks at the different degradation rates of
positive and negative film. Suggests a possible minimum acid
concentration below which hydrolysis is not affected.
Allen, N. S. et al. 1988, 'The degradation and
stabilisation of historic cellulose acetate / nitrate base motion-picture film,
Journal of Photographic Science, vol. 36, no. 3, pp 103
106.
Content: Questions the idea of dry storage as
being good for degrading films. Describes experiments that seem to indicate
that high relative humidity in some instances may be beneficial for the film's
longevity. Looks at "minimum acid content."
Allen, N. S. et al. 1988, 'The nature of the
degradation of archival cellulose-ester base motion picture film: the case for
stabilisation', Journal of Photographic Science, vol. 36, no. 2, pp 34
39.
Content: Questions the idea of dry storage as
being good for degrading films. Describes experiments that seem to indicate
that high relative humidity in some instances may be beneficial for the film's
longevity. Looks at "minimum acid content." Essentially the same as the above
article.
Allen, N. S. et al. 1992, 'Degradation and
stabilisation of cellulose triacetate base motion picture film', Journal of
Imaging Science and Technology, vol. 36, no. 1, pp 4
12.
Content: Describes experimental procedures
used to examine the effects of various parameters on film degradation and
several types of possible stabilisers for cellulose triacetate.
American National Standards Institute, ANSI /
NAPM IT 9.11-1993, For Imaging MediaProcessed Safety Photographic
FilmsStorage, ANSI: New York.
Content: Similar to ISO 5466: 1992 (E).
Outlines optimum storage conditions and enclosures for film.
Aubier, D. et al. 1996. 'Degradation caused by
cellulose diacetate: analysis and proposals for conservation treatment',
Restaurator, Munksgard, Copenhagen, vol. 17, no. 2, pp 130
143.
Content: Looks at the problems caused to
documents placed between sheets of thick cellulose diacetate in a library.
Outlines the history and manufacture of cellulose acetate, and its
degradation characteristics. Looks at some possible reasons for accelerated
degradation (eg catalysts).
Bigourdan, J-L., Adelstein, P. Z.
& Reilly, J. M. 1996, 'Acetic acid and paper alkaline reserve: assessment
of a practical situation in film preservation'. 11th Triennial
Meeting Edinburgh, 1-6 September, ICOM committee for conservation, Vol.
II, pp 573-579.
Content: This article focuses on the
interaction between acetic acid generated by degrading acetate film and the
alkaline reserve provided by buffered paper. The benefits of buffered paper
enclosures were not conclusively demonstrated; it was concluded that paper
envelopes play a secondary role in controlling the vinegar syndrome.
Bigourdan, J-L., Adelstein, P. Z. & Reilly, J.M.
1997, 'Effect of paper alkaline reserve on the chemical stability of acetate
base sheet film'. Topics in Photographic Preservation, AIC
Photographic Materials Group, Washington, vol. 7, pp 42 54,
Content: The authors studied the effect of
paper enclosures on controlling vinegar syndrome in sheet film. They conclude
that they may have some application, and may retard degradation somewhat,
although in general their usefulness is limited.
Bigourdan, J-L. & Reilly, J. M. 1997,
'Environment and enclosures in film preservation', Final report to the
office of Preservation National Endowment for the Humanities. Grant #PS
20802-94.
Content: This report describes a study
looking at the influence of microenvironments on the stability of various types
of film "the emphasis in this investigation has been on practical
recommendations that would benefit archivists and collection managers who
strive to preserve cellulose acetate photographic film."
Bigourdan, J-L., Adelstein, P. Z. & Reilly, J.
M. 1998, 'Use of microenvironments for the preservation of cellulose triacetate
photographic film', Journal of Imaging Science and Technology, vol.
42, no. 2, March/April, pp155 162.
Content: This article evaluates the
effectiveness of microenvironments to control the stability of cellulose
triacetate base film in roll form.
Bigourdan, J-L. and Reilly, J. M. 1999,
'Preservation strategy for acetate film collections based on environmental
assessment and condition survey', Care of Photographic Moving Image &
Sound Collections 20-24 July 1998, Ed. Susie Clark, Institute of
Paper Conservation, 1999, pp 27 36.
Content: This paper reports on the role of
various enclosures and microenvironments in preserving acetate film
collections. It defines the key decisions regarding control of chemical decay
in film collections, summarising the practical approaches developed at the
Image Permanence Institute.
Bigourdan, J-L. & Reilly, J. M. 2000,
'Effectiveness of storage conditions in controlling the vinegar syndrome:
preservation strategies for acetate base motion-picture film collections',
Image and Sound Archiving and Access: the challenges of the 3rd
Millennium, proceedings of the Joint Technical Symposium, Paris,
Aubert, M. & Billeaud, R. (eds), CNC, pp14 34.
Content: The authors studied the relative
effectiveness of macroclimate and microclimate control of cellulose acetate
deterioration. They concluded that macroenvironmental control has much greater
potential for stability improvement if low temperatures are employed. They also
concluded that air-tight enclosures have a detrimental effect on film
stability. Cold storage is the only alternative for stabilising actively
decaying acetate film base prior to duplication.
Bikales, N. M. and Segal, L. (eds) 1971, 'Cellulose
and cellulose derivatives', High Polymers, vol. V,
2nd ed. Wiley-Interscience, New York.
Content: Gives chemical background into
cellulose acetate manufacture, and some degradation mechanisms.
Brems, K. A. H. 1988, 'The archival quality of film
bases', SMPTE Journal, vol. 97, Dec., pp 991 993.
Content: Discusses aspects of cellulose
acetate deterioration such as influence of processing chemicals, nitrate in the
subbing layer, acids, bases etc
Carroll, J. F. & Calhoun, J. M.
1983. 'Effect of nitrogen oxide gases on processed acetate film',
Photographiconservation, vol. 5, iss. 1 & 2, Rochester Institute
of Technology: Rochester. (Originally published in Journal SMPTE, vol.
64, Sept. 1955.)
Content: Discusses the effect of nitrogen
dioxide (from degrading cellulose nitrate film) on cellulose acetate film.
Looks at the mechanisms of degradation, and the order in which they occur.
Concludes that nitrate and acetate should be kept separately.
Derham, M. et al. 1992, 'The
degradation of cellulose triacetate studied by nuclear magnetic resonance
spectroscopy and molecular modelling', in Polymers in Conservation,
Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, pp125 137.
Content: The authors used nuclear magnetic
resonance to study the structure of cellulose triacetate, and to look at some
of its degradation characteristics; eg the order of deacetylation
(C2->C6 -> C3).
Eastman Kodak Company,1992, The
Book of Film Care (H-23). Eastman Kodak: New York.
Eastman Kodak Company, Storage and Preservation
of Motion-Picture Film, Motion Picture Film Department, Eastman Kodak, New
York.
Content: Most of the information is out of
date and conflicts with current researchit is most useful as a tool to
understanding the way in which CA was viewed in the past (ie as extremely
stable).
Edge, M. 2000, 'Approaches to the conservation of
film and sound materials', Image and Sound Archiving and Access: the
challenges of the 3rd Millennium, proceedings of the Joint
Technical Symposium, Paris, Aubert, M. & Billeaud, R. (eds), CNC, pp35
43.
Content: This article looks at the two
principle mechanisms of polymer degradation and presents data showing the
relationship between peroxides and metal ions in cellulose triacetate motion
picture film.
Edge, M. et al. 1988, 'Cellulose acetate: an
archival polymer falls apart', Preprints of contributions to the modern
organic materials meeting, Scottish Society for Conservation and
Restoration, 14 15 April, Edinburgh, pp 67 79.
Content: Looks at rates of cellulose acetate
degradation in glass/metal containers. Looks at the possible protective effect
of the emulsion. Discusses the respective importance of temperature, relative
humidity and acids.
Edge, M. 1995, 'The decay of polymers in information
storage carriers', Technology and Our Audio-Visual Heritage: Technology's
role in Preserving the Memory of the World, Fourth Joint Technical
Symposium, Technical Co-ordinating Committee, Jan 27 29, National Film
Theatre, South Bank, London, pp 20 30.
Content: Briefly outlines the degradation
characteristics of polymers in film and tape (including polyurethane) and
describes a possible new indicator for monitoring cellulose acetate
degradation.
Fischer, M. C. & Reilly, J. M.
1995, 'Use of passive monitors in film collections', Topics in Photographic
Preservation, vol. 6, AIC Photographic Materials Group, Washington, pp 11
- 40.
Content: Examines the use of two commercial
indicators, Danchek and FDD, in monitoring film degradation. Looks at factors
affecting them, eg temp, relative humidity and light. Looks at "homemade"
indicators as an inexpensive alternative.
Fischer, M. C. & Robb, A. 1997, 'Guidelines for
care and identification of film-base photographic materials', <http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/byauth/fischer/fischer1.html>
Content: Suggests storage conditions for
film, eg segregation, enclosures etc. Gives information on the risks and
options of duplication, means of identifying film types and a checklist-type
survey form that may be used to identify film bases.
Fordyce, C. R. 1976, 'Motion-picture film support,
1889 1976: An historical review', Journal SMPTE, vol. 85, pp
493 495.
Content: Outlines the development, uses,
major breakthroughs, and problems of cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetate and
polyester.
Friend, M. 1995, 'Film / Digital / Film'.
Journal of Film Preservation, iss. 50, March.
Content: Discusses the merits and
shortcomings of electronic storage for film (concentrates mainly on
motion-picture). Gives a general overview of the current digital options and
their practical applications, including restoration.
Glastrup, J. 1995, 'Analysis of
gaseous degradation products generated during accelerated ageing of cellulose
acetate', Research Techniques in Photographic Conservation: proceedings of
the conference in Copenhagen, 14 - 19 May 1995, Royal Danish Academy of
Fine Arts: Copenhagen, pp 93 95.
Content: Discusses an experiment conducted to
determine the gaseous products of cellulose acetate degradation
including phenol from the plasticiser, and various solvents, softeners etc.
Gooes, R. & Bloman, H-E. 1983, 'An inexpensive
method for preservation and long-term storage of color film', SMPTE
Journal, vol. 92, no. 12, Dec., pp 1314 1316.
Content: Describes a machine invented by the
authors, at the Swedish Film Institute, for pre-conditioning and vacuum-sealing
film prior to cold storage.
Gunn, MJ. 1987, '"Poly" or "Cell"?', Microform
Review, vol. 16, Summer, pp 231 232.
Content: Discusses the pros and cons of
cellulose acetate and polyester bases in microforms.
Horvath, D. G. 1987, The Acetate
Negative Survey, Final Report. University of Louisville:
Louisville.
Content: The results and findings of a survey
of still negatives in several large collections in the USA. Gives a general
background to the history and degradation characteristics of acetate film.
Provides notch-code identification diagrams for many films, especially
Kodak.
International Organisation for
Standardization, ISO 543: 1990, PhotographyPhotographic
FilmsSpecifications for Safety Film, ISO, Geneva.
Content: Describes tests for flammability
that can qualify film to be termed "safety film."
International Organisation for Standardization,
ISO 5466: 1992. PhotographyProcessed Safety Photographic
FilmsStorage Practices, ISO: Geneva.
Content: Gives international standards for
safety film storage, including fire proofing, temperature, humidity and
environmental conditions.
Jacobsen, M. Determining New
Standards for Long Term Storage of Film. No longer On-line: contact <info@dancan.dk> for availability
Content: Looks at past and present standards
for film storage, and outlines discrepancies between them. Looks particularly
at materials used for film cans.
Jacobsen, M. 1994, Film storage and spotting the
"vinegar syndrome", paper presented at the 136th Technical
Conference and World Media Expo, October 12 15, Los
Angeles.
Content: Describes the problems of various
"film cans" (protective enclosures). Gives experimental results of accelerated
aging tests conducted using several types of film. Gives conclusions, including
whether or not ventilated cans are better. Suggests a method for monitoring
deterioration.
Kulshreshtha, A. K. 1992, 'Chemical
degradation', In: Handbook of Polymer Degradation, Hamid, S.H., Amid,
M.B. & Maadhah, A. G. (eds), Marcel Dekker, New York, p 55.
Content: Give some information on the
mechanisms of thermal and photolytic degradation in polymers. CA is not
mentioned specifically. Outlines depolymerisation and side-chain removal.
Lautenbach, A. 1992, 'Duplication of
photographic imagery, The Imperfect Image: Photographs, their past, present
and future, Conference proceedings, papers presented at the Centre for
Photographic Conservation's first international conference at the Low Wood
Conference Centre, Windermere, 6th 10th April,
Centre for Photographic Conservation: London, pp 134 136.
Content: Gives a very brief explanation of
duplication processes used at the Australian War Memorial. Most negatives at
the AWM are copied in a one step, auto-reversal process (no interpositive and
therefore only one copy from the original). Mentions the need to understand
densitometry and contrast.
Lee, W. E. and Bard, C.C. 1988, 'The stability of
Kodak professional motion-picture film bases, SMPTE Journal, Nov., pp
911 914.
Content: Gives information on the
composition, use and manufacture of cellulose nitrate, cellulose diacetate and
PET film bases. Gives references to standards for storage. Gives some chemical
reactions, including hydrolysis of the plasticiser triphenol phosphate.
Library of Congress 1994, Redefining Film
Preservation: A National Plan. Recommendations of the Librarian of Congress in
Consultation with the National Film Preservation Board, Washington DC.
August. Online at http://www.loc.gov/film/plan.html.
Content: Outlines the aims and conclusions of
the board set up to examine the state of film preservation in America, and to
propose methods of dealing with the problems. Main issues addressed in the Plan
are: physical preservation; access; public outreach; and funding preservation
partnerships among studios, film-makers and archives.
Library of Congress. 1995, 'The national film
preservation plan: an implementation strategy', Journal of Film
Preservation, no. 51, Washington DC. Online at
http://www.loc.gov/film/implemen.html.
Content: Overview of the conclusions
presented in the National Film Preservation Plan. Discusses deterioration
problems, importance of retaining originals, possibility of electronic storage,
strategies for providing nation-wide storage facilities and access etc.
McCormick-Goodhart, M. H. 1995,
'Moisture content isolines and the glass transition of photographic gelatin;
their significance to cold storage and accelerated aging', Research Techniques
in Photographic Conservation, Proceedings from the Copenhagen
conference, Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen, 14 - 19 May, pp
65 - 70.
Content: This paper discusses the relationship between
moisture content of photographic material and the glass transition temperature
of the gelatin emulsion. The glass transition temperature is the temperature at
which the gelatin emulsion begins to soften and may become sticky. At high
relative humidities and corresponding high moisture contents, the glass
transition temperature falls to the point where it may be exceeded at or near
average room temperatures. This results in greatly elevated susceptibility to
physical damage and mould growth. The capacity of gelatin to 'over-buffer' the
relative humidity inside a sealed package as long as it remains below its glass
transition temperature is also discussed. In an over-buffered system,
decreasing the temperature results in a decrease in relative humidity. He
concludes that "research presented in this paper has shown that photographic
materials sealed in a closed system with little free air space naturally move
towards the desired lower relative humidity conditions when the temperature is
reduced." (p.68)
McCormick-Goodhart, M. H. 1999, 'Methods for
creating cold storage environments', in: Susie Clark (ed.) Care of
photographic moving image and sound collections, 20 - 24 July 1998, University
College of Ripon & York St. John, York, England. Leigh,
Worcestershire: Institute of Paper Conservation, pp 19 - 24.
Content: The author compares three methods of creating cold
storage environments for photographic materials and discusses their
advantages/disadvantages. Basically, the humidity controlled large cold storage
vault is recommended for very large collections. Non humidity controlled cold
storage in combination with sealed packaging techniques like the FICA and the
CMI systems are considered more suitable for small to medium sized collections.
The author also outlines another method called the 'sealed gasket cabinet'
method, intended to combine the advantages of both, which was still being
developed at the time of writing.
McNeill, I. C. 1992, 'Fundamental aspects of polymer
degradation', in Polymers in Conservation, Allen, N. S. et al., Royal
Society of Chemistry, Cambridge.
Content: Outlines the groups of polymers as
they are classified, and how each group degrades (in general terms). Looks at
hydrolysis, oxidation etc. Natural polymers treated quite extensively.
Melville, A. & Simmon, S. 1993, Film
Preservation 1993: A Study of the Current State of American Film Preservation.
Volume 1, Report of the Librarian of Congress, June, National Film Preservation
Board, US.
Content: Outlines the issues facing film
preservation throughout America in 1993. Looks at the various agencies which
own and hold film, and the ways in which they are dealing with storage and
preservation. Examines problems and gaps.
Meyer, M-P. and Read, P. 2000, 'Restoration and
preservation of vinegar syndrome decayed acetate film', Image and Sound
Archiving and Access: the challenges of the 3rd Millennium,
Proceedings of the Joint Technical Symposium, Paris, Aubert, M. &
Billeaud, R.. (eds), CNC.
Content: Describes preliminary results of a
questionnaire / trial into storage and conservation techniques and treatment
options. Includes an interim list of areas for further investigation.
Munson, D. 1997, 'The Pellicular Burlesque'. Topics
in Photographic Preservation, AIC Photographic Materials Group, Washington,
vol. 7, pp 55 - 65.
Content: The author describes the emulsion recovery routine
used on 793 deteriorated negatives in the Walker Evans Archive of the
Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC.
National Film Preservation Board.
1994, 'Film storage white paper - Keeping cool and dry: a new emphasis in film
preservation', available at http://www.loc.gov/film/storage.html.
Content: Discusses the importance of correct
storage environments for film and how this must influence new preservation
policies.
National Library of Australia. 2000, 'Cellulose
Acetate Project: Stage One'. Online at
http://www.nla.gov.au/anica/cellulose.pdf.
Content: Gives the findings of a survey of
cellulose acetate in Australian collections conducted by the National Library
of Australia.
Nicholson, C. & O'Loughlin, E. 1996, 'The use of
A-D strips for screening conservation and exhibit materials, The Book and
Paper Group Annual, vol. 15, AIC Book and Paper Group, Washington, pp 83
85. Online at
http://aic.stanford.edu/conspec/bpg/annual/v15/bp15-11.html.
Content: Discusses the viability of using A-D
strips for detecting acids in large collections (not necessarily film).
Outlines some of the limitations of the strips.
Nishimura, D. W. 1995, 'Film supports: negatives,
transparencies, microforms, and motion picture film', in Storage of Natural
History Collections, Volume 1: A Preventive Conservation Approach, Rose,
C. L., Hawks, C. A. & Genoways, H. H. (eds), Society for the Preservation
of Natural History Collections, Iowa, pp 365 393.
Content: Gives a general overview of the
deterioration of nitrate, acetate and polyester film. Gives storage
suggestions, as well as cost-benefit analyses and means of identifying film
bases. Gives references. Looks at the degradation of gelatin and image-forming
materials, and how they may be affected by degradation products of cellulose
acetate.
Nishimura, D. W. 1995, 'The practical presentation
of research studies on film stability', Research Techniques in Photographic
Conservation: proceedings of the conference in Copenhagen, 14 - 19 May,
Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen, pp 93 95.
Content: Suggests clear methods of presenting
research on film stability, eg graphical forms, Arrhenius plots, preservation
indexes. Looks at presentations in documents including IPI Storage Guide
etc.
Padfield, T. & Johnsen, J. S.
1995, 'The breath of Arrhenius: air conditioning in photographic archives',
Research Techniques in Photographic Conservation: proceedings of the
conference in Copenhagen, 14 19 May, Royal Danish Academy of Fine
Arts, Copenhagen, pp 59 63. Online at
http://www.natmus.dk/ixgb.htm.
Content: Discusses the climate requirements
of negative collections in terms of air conditioning systems. Strongly
recommends less air-conditioning and more frequent surveying of collections.
Suggests making the most of local climate and modifying it slightly.
Underground storage mentioned.
Puglia, S. 1989, 'Negative duplication: evaluating
the reproduction and preservation needs of collections', Topics in
Photographic Preservation, vol. 3, AIC Photographic Materials Group,
Washington, pp 123 134.
Content: Gives a description of the various
available methods of duplication (except digital) and discusses aspects that
need to be considered when choosing a duplication type. Gives a checklist
questionnaire that may be used to evaluate a collection (eg value, size etc)
and help select a method of duplication.
Puglia, S. 1995, 'Cost benefit analysis for b/w
acetate: cool/cold storage vs duplication', Abbey Newsletter, vol. 19,
no. 4, Sep. Online at
http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/byorg/abbey/an/an19/an19-4/an19-410.html.
Content: Suggests possible storage options
with reference to their cost and their relevance to various types of
collections. Gives estimated costs of storage methods over time. Gives
estimated costs of duplication.
Puglia, S. 1995, 'The preservation of acetate film
materials: a cost benefit analysis for duplication and cool / cold storage',
Topics in Photographic Preservation, vol. 6, AIC Photographic
Materials Group, Washington, pp 50 79.
Content: Gives a brief overview of the issues
addressed by a cost benefit analysis, and its uses for a film collection. Gives
extensive forms and guidelines for conducting a cost benefit analysis.
Ram, A. T. et al. 1992, 'Simulated
aging of processed cellulose triacetate motion picture films', Journal of
Imaging Science and Technology, vol. 36, no. 1, Jan/Feb.
Content: Discusses the storage of degrading
cellulose triacetate film and life expectancies of two types of "archival"
film. Gives experimental results regarding degradation over time of both
cellulose triacetate and polyester, and regarding the effect of storage
conditions on life expectancy. Gives descriptions of various methods of
identification of film bases. Gives some chemical background of the hydrolytic
degradation processorder of deacetylation etc.
Ram, A. T., Kopperl, D. F., Sehlin, R.C.,
Masaryk-Morris, S., Vincent, J. L. & Miller, P. et al. 1994, 'The effects
and prevention of the "vinegar syndrome"', Journal of Imaging Science and
Technology, vol. 38, no. 3, May/June.
Content: The article discusses the use of
molecular sieves for minimising the occurrence of acid-catalysed hydrolysis in
colour motion picture film simulated aging tests.
Ram, A. T. et al. 1995, 'Status report on the
worldwide molecular sieve trade test results', Technology and Our
Audio-Visual Heritage: Technology's role in Preserving the Memory of the
World, Fourth Joint Technical Symposium, Jan 27 29, National Film
Theatre, South Bank, London, UK, Technical Co-ordinating Committee, London. p
31 42.
Content: Discusses the current results of a
world-wide test into the use of molecular sieves in cellulose triacetate film
cans.
Reilly, J. M. 1993, IPI Storage Guide for
Acetate Film, Image Permanence Institute, New York.
Content: Gives general overview of the
deterioration processes of cellulose acetate film, and tables / wheel which
might be used for predicting life expectancy of film under various conditions.
Also gives storage recommendations.
Rempel, S. 1996, 'Zeolite molecular traps and their
use in preventative conservation, WAAC Newsletter, vol. 18, no. 1,
Jan., pp 12 18. Online at
http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/waac/wn/wn18/wn18-1/wn18-106.html.
Content: Outlines the purpose of molecular
traps and explains (briefly) the way in which zeolites work. Mentions their
application to conservation and their use with negatives.
Robley, L. P. 1996, 'Attack of the vinegar
syndrome', American Cinematographer, June.
Content: Discusses the general factors
influencing the degradation of cellulose acetate film, including the effects of
some treatments. Looks at the degradations of different types of motion picture
film. Looks at digital conversion.
Roff, W. J. & Scott, J.R. 1971, 'Cellulose
acetate', in Fibres, Films, Plastics and Rubbers: A Handbook of Common
Polymers, Butterworths, London, pp 149 158.
Content: Gives properties of cellulose
acetate, including diacetate and triacetate, as well as the mixed esters
(propionate, butyrate). Gives manufacture methods. Properties discussed include
molecular weight, degree of polymerisation and substitution, moisture
absorption etc.
Sargent, R. N. 1974, Preserving
the Moving Image, Corporation for Public Broadcasting and National
Endowment for the Arts, Washington, DC.
Content: The first chapter, "the Base,"
discusses the methods of manufacture of various base types (particularly
cellulose diacetate, cellulose triacetate and mixed esters) and their
properties. Looks at reasons for degradation, particularly physical stresses,
solvents etc. Gives some suggestions on storage conditions.
Sebor. 1995, 'Heating, ventilating, and
air-conditioning systems', in Storage of Natural History Collections.
Volume 1: A Preventive Conservation Approach, Rose, C. L., Hawks, C. A.
& Genoways, H.H. (eds), Society for the Preservation of Natural History
Collections, Iowa, pp 135 - 146.
Content: Discusses current available
air-conditioning and temperature control systems and their relevance to museum
environments.
Shinagawa, Y., Murayama, M. & Sakaino, Y. 1992,
'Investigation of the archival stability of cellulose triacetate film: the
effect of additives to CTA support', in: Polymers in Conservation,
Allen, N. S. et al., Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge.
Content: A study was conducted into the
effect of TPP plasticiser on the degradation of cellulose acetate. The authors
believe that a bi-product of degrading triphenyl phosphate, diphenyl
phosphate, may be the initiator in the hydrolysis reaction.
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers,
1994, Proposed SMPTE Recommended Practice, RP 131: Storage of Motion Picture
Film, SMPTE Journal vol. 103, no. 3, March, pp 201
205.
Content: Outlines proposed SMPTE standards
for storage of filmbased on ANSI standard IT9.11. Gives recommended
environmental conditions, and enclosure types.
'Storage of acetate film materials: a discussion at
the National Archives Records Administration', Journal of Film
Preservation, no. 48, April 1994.
Content: Brief overview of the 1994 NARA
conferenceoutlines the major points discussed, eg molecular sieves,
segregation, extent of duplication etc.
Tudhope, H. 1996, The Absorption
and Transmission of Acetic Acid in Acetate Negatives and Storage Enclosures: an
evaluation of five commercial storage enclosures and the effectiveness of
buffers in paper, Queen's University, Kingston.
Wagner, S. 1994, 'NARA's 1994
Preservation Conference: Acetate Film', The Abbey Newsletter, vol. 19,
no. 4, pp 70.
Content: "Briefly summarises the seven
articles presented at the 9th annual preservation conference of the
National Archives and Records Administration, 15 March 1994. The subjects
include the chemistry and technology of acetate, a case study of the Museum of
Modern Art's film collection holdings, research into colour motion film
stability, and storage vault design." (CHIN database)
Walsh, B. 1995, 'Identification of cellulose nitrate
and acetate negatives by FTIR spectroscopy', Topics in Photographic
Preservation, vol. 6, AIC Photographic Materials Group, Washington, pp 80
- 85.
Content: Cellulose acetate can be identified
using a variety of methods, including FTIR spectroscopy, although this can be a
fairly complex procedure. FTIR is possibly less destructive than other tests,
as smaller samples are required.
Walsh, D. 2000, 'Cold storage using the fica
apparatus (poster)', Image and Sound Archiving and Access: the challenges
of the 3rd Millenium, Proceedings of the [5th]
Joined technical sypmosium, Paris, January 20 22.
Content: Describes the FICA (Film
Conditioning Apparatus) that was developed by the Swedish Film Institute to
solve the problem of long-term storage of colour film. Discusses advantages and
disadvantages.
Wilhelm, H. 1993, The Permanence and Care of
Colour Photographs: Traditional and Digital Colour Prints, Colour Negatives,
Slides, and Motion Pictures, Preservation Publishing Company,
Grinnel.
Content: Chapter 9 looks at the influence of
temperature and humidity on film and colour stability. Chapter 20 extensively
describes vault construction, climate control and effectiveness of various
systems. Lists and describes many US vaults.
Woods, C. S. 1992, 'Negatives: positive action',
The Imperfect Image: Photographs, their past, present and future,
Conference proceedings: papers presented at the Centre for Photographic
Conservation's first international conference at the Low Wood Conference
Centre, Windermere, 6th 10th April, Centre
for Photographic Conservation, London, pp 323 327.
Content: Describes two methods (one in great
detail) of separating the base from the emulsion pellicle. The latter also
dissolves the nitrate subbing layer. The pellicle can then be put on polyester
for copying / storage. Usually used only for diacetate.
TOP
Useful Links
The following links present information relevant to
preserving cellulose acetate collections.
Museum Management Program
Conserve
O Grams contain information about the handling of cellulose nitrate, which
is also relevant to cellulose acetate materials.
The
Image
Permanence Institute website includes information about the IPI Guide and
Acid Detection Strips
A-D
strips detect and measure the severity of acetate film deterioration, or
"vinegar syndrome" in your collection.
Dancheck film
indicators are another alternative to Acid Detection Strips.
The Kodak website contains an article titled Molecular
Sieves and the Prevention of the "Vinegar Syndrome" which was
extracted from a paper that was presented at the 1992 AMIA Conference on
December 10, 1992, by Dr. Tulsi Ram..
Disclaimer: While the
information contained on this website has been prepared with due care and
skill, findings and best practices in relation to Cellulose Acetate are likely
to change over time. Accordingly, the information contained on this website is
for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for
advice of a qualified conservator. While every effort has been made to present
information which is accurate, the National Library accepts no responsibility
for any damage or liability whatsoever for any damage or loss that is incurred
as a result of the information presented on this website.
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