The spelling of the word "photoxylin" may seem confusing at first, but it can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to help understand its pronunciation. The word is pronounced /ˌfoʊtəʊˈzɪlɪn/, with emphasis on the second syllable. The combination of the Greek roots "photo" (meaning light) and "xylin" (meaning wood fiber) give the word its meaning of a light-sensitive substance used in photography. While it may be a mouthful to pronounce, photoxylin is an important component in developing photographic film.
Photoxylin is a substance that is commonly used as a film-forming material in the production of lacquers and coatings. Also known as cellulose nitrate, it is derived from cellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. Photoxylin is produced by treating cellulose with nitric acid, resulting in a chemical modification that imparts unique properties to the material.
As a film-forming material, photoxylin is highly versatile and widely used in various applications. It is soluble in many organic solvents, allowing for easy incorporation into liquid coatings. Upon evaporation of the solvent, photoxylin forms a solid, transparent film that adheres well to various substrates, including metal, wood, and plastics.
One of the notable characteristics of photoxylin is its high flammability. Due to the presence of nitrate groups, it is an oxidizing agent that supports rapid combustion. This property necessitates careful handling and storage of photoxylin to prevent accidents or fires.
In addition to its film-forming capabilities, photoxylin is also valued for its excellent adhesion, hardness, and resistance to abrasion. Its versatility and durability make it a popular choice for coating materials intended for use in industries like automotive, furniture, and electronics. Furthermore, its transparency allows it to be used as a protective coating for objects without significantly altering their appearance.
Despite its many advantages, the use of photoxylin has declined in recent years due to environmental concerns related to the release of toxic gases during production and its slow degradation in landfill conditions. Consequently, alternative materials have gained prominence in the coatings industry, shifting away from the use of photoxylin in various applications.
A substance resembling pyroxylin, made from wood-pulp; it is used in the manufacture of a substance resembling collodion and employed for the same purposes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "photoxylin" is derived from the combination of two components: "photo" and "xylin".
1. "Photo" is derived from the Greek word "phōs" (φῶς), which means "light". In English, "photo-" is a prefix that denotes light or relating to light, commonly used in words such as "photograph" and "photosynthesis".
2. "Xylin" comes from the term "xylindein", which is a pigment extracted from the wood of certain fungi. The term "xylindein" itself is a combination of the Greek words "xylon" (ξύλον) meaning "wood" and "eidos" (εἶδος) meaning "appearance".