Techniques of Acetate Film Conservation and Preservation

• Main Authors: Li, Yi Pei, 李宜珮
• Other Authors: Tsai, Fei Wen
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2015
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/85579211229720073462

碩士 === 國立臺南藝術大學 === 博物館學與古物維護研究所 === 103 === The triacetate cellulose was introduced in 1948 by the Eastman Kodak company as a replacement of film base for unstable and highly flammable nitrate cellulose film. It was widely used in different image photography, like black-and-white film, color film and even motion picture film. Nowadays, the major base of these films are still acetate film. However, in Taiwan, the humidity and temperature accelerate the acetate film within 25 to 50 years, causing the form of decay which known as "vinegar syndrome”. Since the film is degraded, it is unable to be watched. A seriously degraded black-and-white roll film is chosen in this study. This case study is trying to find out the possibility to revert the function of the film by stripping the emulsion layer from the degraded acetate film base. In this case study, different materials are tested. Two kinds of solvent: acetone and MEK are chosen to separate the film base mentioned before. After that, three solutions: ethanol, KODAK PHOTO-FLO, ILFORD WETTING AGENT are used to help to flatten the emulsion layer and then press the emulsion layer to dry with mylar® sheet and Teflon sheet. During the experiment, it is observed that MEK has the best effect for emulsion stripping. KODAK PHOTO-FLO、ILFORD WETTING AGENT and mylar® sheet can flatten the layer well. To concluded, the effect of separating the emulsion layer is greatly influenced by the degree of degradation. It is not necessarily to get the same result on the same film. It is a destructive conservation treatment to the films, therefore, cautious estimation is needed. For storing acetate film, a cold and dry storage condition is recommended for preservation suggestion. It can slow down the symptoms of vinegar syndrome and also prolong the life of the film.