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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 Media—Processed Safety Photographic Films—Storage, 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 research—it 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, Photography—Photographic Films—Specifications 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. Photography—Processed Safety Photographic Films—Storage 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 process—order 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 film—based 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 conference—outlines 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.

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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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