Cellulose nitrate film

Cellulose nitrate film is an early type of photographic and motion picture film made from cellulose nitrate, a highly flammable substance derived from cotton or wood pulp. Known for its clarity and durability when new, it was widely used before safer alternatives like cellulose acetate became available. However, cellulose nitrate is chemically unstable over time; it deteriorates, becomes brittle, and can decompose explosively if not stored properly. Due to these hazards, many historical films and photographs on nitrate film are now preserved carefully or transferred to safer formats.