Cellulose nitrate

Definition

Cellulose nitrate, also known as nitrocellulose, is a highly flammable compound created by the nitration of cellulose, making it a significant material in the history of photography and film. Its use in photographic films and prints has raised concerns regarding material instability, as it is prone to deterioration over time due to environmental factors and inherent vice. The properties that made cellulose nitrate popular for photography also contribute to challenges in conservation and restoration efforts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cellulose nitrate was first developed in the mid-19th century and quickly became the dominant material for film production until the 1950s.
2. As cellulose nitrate ages, it undergoes chemical changes that lead to brittleness, yellowing, and eventually complete disintegration.
3. The flammability of cellulose nitrate poses significant risks, leading to strict storage requirements for archival materials made from this substance.
4. Modern conservation techniques often involve digitizing cellulose nitrate materials to preserve their content while minimizing the physical handling of original items.
5. The transition from cellulose nitrate to safer alternatives like acetate and polyester film bases has improved the longevity and stability of photographic materials.

Review Questions

• How does inherent vice relate to the deterioration of cellulose nitrate materials in photography?
  • Inherent vice refers to the susceptibility of certain materials, like cellulose nitrate, to deteriorate due to their own chemical properties regardless of external conditions. In photography, this means that cellulose nitrate films can degrade over time through chemical reactions that occur within the material itself. This deterioration can lead to loss of images and structural integrity, highlighting the importance of understanding and mitigating inherent vice in conservation practices.
• Discuss the implications of cellulose nitrate's flammability on its storage and conservation practices.
  • The flammability of cellulose nitrate has serious implications for its storage and conservation. Archival institutions must implement strict fire safety measures when handling or storing cellulose nitrate materials, often using specialized fireproof cabinets. Additionally, because aging nitrate film becomes increasingly hazardous, conservators prioritize digitization as a safer method for preserving images while reducing physical risks associated with handling deteriorating films.
• Evaluate the transition from cellulose nitrate to modern film bases in terms of preservation challenges faced by conservators.
  • The transition from cellulose nitrate to modern film bases like acetate and polyester represents a significant advancement in preservation practices. While cellulose nitrate posed many challenges due to its instability and flammability, newer film bases are more chemically stable and less prone to inherent vice. However, conservators now face different challenges with these modern materials, such as potential degradation due to environmental factors over long periods. Understanding these changes is crucial for developing effective preservation strategies that address both historical and contemporary materials.

Related terms

Inherent Vice: Inherent vice refers to the tendency of certain materials to deteriorate or degrade over time, even when stored under optimal conditions, which can affect the longevity of artifacts.

Film Base: Film base is the substrate on which photographic images are recorded, historically made from cellulose nitrate before being replaced by safer materials like polyester.

Archival Quality: Archival quality describes materials that are designed to be stable and durable over time, ensuring the long-term preservation of photographs and other documents.