Nitraattikelmu

Nitraattikelmu, also known as nitrocellulose film or celluloid, is a transparent plastic material derived from nitrated cellulose. It was one of the first flexible plastics developed and found widespread use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in photography and early cinema.

The production of nitraattikelmu involves treating cellulose with a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids. This process creates nitrocellulose, which is then dissolved in a solvent and cast into thin sheets. The resulting film is strong, flexible, and transparent, making it ideal for recording images.

However, nitraattikelmu has significant drawbacks. It is highly flammable due to its high nitrogen content, posing a serious fire hazard. Over time, it also degrades, becoming brittle and releasing acidic byproducts that can damage the film itself and adjacent materials. This decomposition process is often accelerated by heat and humidity.

Despite its flammability and instability, nitraattikelmu was the dominant film base for many decades. Its archival properties are poor, and many early films have been lost due to fires or decomposition. Preservation efforts today focus on transferring the content of nitraattikelmu to more stable modern film stocks or digital formats. While its use has largely been replaced by safety film (cellulose triacetate or polyester), understanding nitraattikelmu is crucial for the history of visual media and the conservation of historical photographic and cinematic records.