Development of a gel permeation chromatography method for analysing cellulose nitrate in museums

This article describes the development of a suitable Gel Permeation Chromatography method for cellulose nitrate plasticised with camphor (celluloid) found in cultural heritage. Current sample preparation and dissolution methods, apart from focusing on native, nonderivatised cellulose, require long times, often employ solvents that induce degradation. study aims to develop systematic uses least amount possible, is nondegrading, can be applied differently aged samples. investigated through identification solvent system statistically designed experiment testing critical variables affecting analysis, namely condition, sample, salt concentration (lithium chloride) N,N-dimethylacetamide. The use 0.1% was inadequate analysis because it did not fully dissolve any concentration, while 0.3% negatively impacted its high molecular weight distributions. 0.2% solution 0.5% lithium chloride N,N-dimethylacetamide offered most consistent repeatable data. miniaturised as much possible museum objects various ageing conditions.