Acetic acid syndrome

As acetic acid syndrome or vinegar syndrome refers to the formation of acetic acid crystals on older film material caused by the chemical reaction ( hydrolysis ) of the carrier material cellulose acetate with humid air. This reaction is a decomposition process.

As a result of the decomposition / destruction of the carrier material, the content information is lost, which means an unstoppable loss for the preservation of historical film material. This decomposition is associated with a measurable shrinkage of the film material.

So far there is no way to stop this process.

Acetic acid crystals cannot be removed from the surface using standard methods. The only chance to save the content is to digitize the film immediately.

Web links

• Definition in the dictionary of film terms
• mediafix.de Information on the correct storage of Super8 film material to delay the acetic acid syndrome