Celluloid dangers with some suggestions : being memoranda compiled in consultation with the committee's executive / by D.W. Wood.

  • Wood, D. W.
Date:
1913
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Celluloid dangers with some suggestions : being memoranda compiled in consultation with the committee's executive / by D.W. Wood. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    inches, showing that the sun’s rays could easily be brought to a focus in a shop window. The result showed that the Celluloid fired very quickly, although in no case did it actually flame. The temperature of the air (in the sunshine) was 46.4° F., whilst an ordinary thermometer bulb which w'as placed at the focal point, rose to about 176° F., and the bulb covered with lampblack rose to 383° F. As the firing point of Celluloid is usually from 338° F. to 336° F. it is evident that some of the fires for which the causes are recorded as “ unknown ” can be easily accounted for in shop window's. It should also be borne in mind that the Celluloid base used in cinematograph films is of a very different character, chemically speaking, to that used for making up into articles of everyday use. As previorrsly stated, Celluloid is a mixture of nitro- cellulose and camphor, whilst the Celluloid used as a base for cinematograph films is composed of nitro-cellulose in which the nitration has been carried further and as small an amount of camphor is used as a solvent as is possible. This therefore renders this Celluloid base more dangerous. The Committee recently undertook tests which proved that Celluloid in the form of Cinematograph films would burn under water or in carbon dioxide. Particulars of these tests with records of the results obtained are set forth in the Committee’s Red Book No. 176 on page 22, Test No. 9, and page 17, Test No. 6 respec- tively, and extracts therefrom read as follows: TEST No. 9. Object of Test No. 9.—This test was undertaken to show' that celluloid film ignited and throwm into water continued to burn and to produce smoke and gas. .... Arrangement for Test No. 9.—A roll of celluloid film was provided and a bucket of water. Log of Test No. 9. A roll of Celluloid film approximately 4m. (0 • 1016m.) in diameter w'as fastened to a w'ire with a lead weight attached. The film w'as ignited by a lighted taper and almost immediately it w'as plunged into a pail of water and extinguished. Repeat.—i\nother similar roll of Celluloid film w'as prepared in the same way and after burning for 10 secs, it w'as plunged into a pail of w'ater. The wmter began to boil on the surface almost at once, the gases generated becoming ignited above the w’ater, and the film con- tinued burning until it was almost entirely charred. On the film being w'ithdraw'n from the water and a light applied the remainder burst into flame. A dense pungent smoke w'as emitted. Log of Re-test No. 9. A similar test w'as made wdth Celluloid film. The film burnt for 10 secs, and was then plunged into the w'ater, w'here it burnt for 27 secs., flames rising about 14 in. {0-3555m.) above the w^ater. A dense pungent smoke was also emitted. When the film was removed it was found to be entirely charred {see Plate I annexed to this statement). TEST No. 6. Object of Test No. 6.—This test w'as undertaken to show the behaviour of burning celluloid film .... in pure Carbon Dioxide. Arrangement for Test No. 6.—Tw'o glass vessels containing CO.^ and covered with asbestos boards were used. The gas had been generated in the plant .... A small roll .... of Celluloid .... film had been provided.
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