acetate base : Spreety TV Online Glossary
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acetate base n. A slow-burning film base first
developed for the amateur market by Eastman Kodak in 1908. In 1948, Kodak
introduced 35mm acetate base safety film for professional use and was honored
with an Academy Award for technical achievement in 1950. Safety film was not
widely adopted by the motion picture industry as a replacement for
Celluloid-based film until 1952.
The acetate film base is composed of cellulose treated with
acetic acid or acetic anhydride. This is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion
to create motion picture film or an iron oxide emulsion to create magnetic
tape. Before that, film base was made using highly flammable chemicals (nitrate
and camphor). While acetate base lasts much longer than nitrate base, it still breaks
down over time. Polyester base is a better choice for long term archival
storage.
Also non-flammable film. See safety
base. Compare Celluloid; vinegar syndrome.
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