Model Experiments with Polyethylene Okides

Paper to be presenied at the “Congres International de Science Photographique” to be held in Paris, in September 1965.

Abstract

A cell, producing measurable currents, is used as a model in further studies on the inhibitory action of polyethylene oxides (PEO) on development by hydroquinone (Hq). The cell reaction is found to be inhibited when PEO is in contact with the anode (silver), but not when in contact with the cathode (silver bromide). There is in general a parallel between the behaviour of substances in the cell and in a photographic emulsion test. Polymers and substituted hydroquinones which do not show the PEO-Hq effect with emulsion are inactive in the cell. The resistance of some Hq derivatives to PEO inhibition may be associated with their demonstrated adsorption to silver, but an exception suggests an alternative, that they may have more active semiquinones. The results of the cell experiments are believed to be applicable to the case of photographic development. The hypothesis that PEO inhibits Hq development by interfering with the adsorption of developing agent (semiquinone) at latent image specks thus receives some support.

Notes

Paper to be presenied at the “Congres International de Science Photographique” to be held in Paris, in September 1965.