A Short Guide to Film Base Photographic Materials: Identification, Care, and Duplication

A Short Guide to Film Base Photographic Materials: Identification, Care, and Duplication
Source: Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC)

There are three broad types of film-based photographic materials: cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetates, and polyester. These materials have been used as a support for negatives, positive transparencies, motion pictures, microfilm, and other photographic products. Unfortunately, cellulose nitrate and cellulose acetates are unstable. The products of their degradation can severely harm and even destroy photographic collections, in addition to posing serious safety hazards.