Polymer sponge could save stars of the silver screen from ‘vinegar syndrome’ destruction

The slow degradation of classic film reels could be headed off by a polymer sponge that mops up the chemical that catalyses their breakdown. If this sponge can be scaled up it could make the storage of old movies far cheaper, as they currently require refrigeration and low humidity to prevent damage.

In the early 20th century, movies were shot using film made of cellulose nitrate. However, this material is unstable and highly flammable and was replaced with cellulose acetate. What wasn’t realised at the time was that, over the long term, cellulose acetate is prone to degradation and ‘vinegar syndrome’ is now a well-known issue in the art preservation world. Objects made of cellulose acetate undergo deacetylation in warm, humid conditions and release the acetic acid that gives the problem its name. The acetic acid autocatalyses the breakdown of cellulose acetate, resulting in a vicious cycle of degradation that ends with film reels crumbling.