Selection of thermal, spectroscopic, spectrometric, and chromatographic methods for characterizing historical celluloid

Celluloid in museum collections is very unstable; therefore, heritage professionals carry out research studies dedicated to understanding its decay and prolonging lifetime. This paper addresses the need compare select suitable analytical methods for that purpose. Thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, evolved gas analysis–mass spectrometry, double shot – chromatography/mass gel permeation chromatography (GPC) were employed characterize emission of gasses (decay products) measure molecular weight camphor (plasticizer) content from unaged, artificially, naturally aged celluloid samples. A pioneer GPC set-up quantification was introduced first time this study. Results demonstrated most method assessing material changes due degradation. Both set-ups, measuring quantifying camphor, appear promising effect conservation treatments investigating heterogeneous degradation objects future studies.