Work

Artificial induction of the “vinegar syndrome” in cellulose acetate motion picture film and multi-analytical protocol for its monitoring

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: One of the most crucial subjects for cellulose acetate motion picture film conservation is associated with the so-called “vinegar syndrome”. This paper shows the set up of an innovative procedure for the artificial induction of this degradation process in both cellulose triacetate laboratory samples and real motion picture films. Moreover, a multi-analytical approach based on optical microscopy, gravimetry, solubility, free acidity measurements and tensile tests, combined with acetyl content calculation through Heterogeneous Saponification Method (HSM) and Fourier Transform InfraRed Attenuated Total Reflectance spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) was also defined to obtain a complete picture of the evolution of the “vinegar syndrome”. The procedures presented in this paper are preliminary to the set up of new materials specifically tailored for the inhibition of the “vinegar syndrome”. The idea is to artificially induce the de-acetylation on cellulose acetate samples in a controlled, reproducible and non-aggressive way for the tested inhibitors, and monitor the evolution of the process through the abovementioned multi-analytical approach.

Source: Journal of Cultural Heritage

DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2024.11.013

Authors: Francesca Porpora, Luigi Dei, Alessia Maria Maiano, Emiliano Carretti

Institutions: Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase, University of Florence, National Institute of Optics

Language: English

Topic: Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,780

Funders: European Commission, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca, NextGenerationEU