Kodak has found out why high-sensitivity photo and X-ray film sometimes fogs
for no apparent reason (GB 2359973). In dry weather, the film becomes
electrostatically charged when it is rewound at speed, or when pulled quickly
from lightproof packaging. The film then discharges via metal in the camera,
creating electric currents which cause blemishes on the developed image. So
Kodak is now adding a transparent, conductive layer to the film base.
Polyalkylene glycols, extruded at the same time as the polyethylene base, form a
micrometre-thick conducting layer on the side opposite the light-sensitive
emulsion. So the base never has the chance to charge up.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Test moderators use AI-generated writing to judge literacy standards
News
Technology
We should decide how AI shapes the future, not tech firms
Comment
Technology
Quantum voting could make elections more secure
News
Technology
DeepMind AI gives an extra day of warning ahead of deadly cyclones
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles