Tselluloid

Tselluloid, also known as cellulose nitrate or pyroxylin, is a type of nitrate film base used in early motion picture production. It was developed in the late 19th century and became the standard film base for silent films until the early 20th century. Tselluloid is made from cellulose, a compound found in plant fibers, which is treated with nitric acid to create a flammable and brittle film base. This process gives tselluloid its characteristic yellowish color and makes it highly sensitive to heat and light, which can cause it to degrade over time.

The use of tselluloid in film production was pioneered by the Lumière brothers and later adopted by other filmmakers. However, its flammability and tendency to degrade quickly made it a less than ideal choice for long-term preservation. As a result, tselluloid films are now considered obsolete and are rarely used in modern film production. Instead, safer and more durable film bases, such as cellulose acetate and polyester, have largely replaced tselluloid in the film industry.

Despite its limitations, tselluloid played a significant role in the early history of cinema. Many of the films produced during the silent era, including those by Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, were shot on tselluloid. Today, tselluloid films are primarily of historical interest and are preserved in specialized film archives. The degradation of tselluloid films poses a significant challenge for film preservationists, as the nitrate base can release toxic fumes when heated, making it difficult to handle and preserve.