Storage of acetate film

Although loss of plasticiser is one of the causes of shrinkage of
the film base, it is not a good idea to store diacetate film in
closed containers if it can be avoided. 'Vinegar syndrome'--the
decomposition of acetate based material is acid catalysed. If the
'offgassing' of the acetic acid produced during decomposition is
contained, the decomposition is accelerated and one of the results
of the decomposition is shrinkage. The final outcome of
decomposition is the total loss of the film. Shrinkage through loss
of plasticiser is the lesser of the two evils.

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:40
                 Distributed: Monday, November 2, 1998
                       Message Id: cdl-12-40-011
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