"Jeff Layman" wrote in message
...
On 03/12/19 11:07, Martin Brown wrote:
On 01/12/2019 21:36, Nick Odell wrote:


If it is original celluloid as in cellulose nitrate then it should be
kept in a cold dark explosives bunker well away from your property. The
stuff gradually goes unstable with age and long term exposure to heat.

Old celluloid negatives of historically important news images have now
mostly been scanned to archival quality but the originals are kept in
small batches in carefully controlled conditions off site afterwards.
Some of them show slightly alarming signs of deterioration.

It generally just burns incredibly quickly unless confined or provoked
by impact when it may detonate. Basically it is sheets of gun cotton.

Perfect timing...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-50641205


At one time around 1870 it was thought a good idea to make billiard balls out of
nitro-cellulose, branded as celluloid, what with an expanding market for billiard tables
and a looming shortage elephants. And while they didn't exactly go up in flames they
sometimes generated mild explosions and made a loud crack on contact. From most
sources it seems they remained in use at least until after the invention of Bakelite in
1907.

michael adams

....