To study the etching mechanism of cellulose nitrate (Daicel, Japan) the etching parameters have been varied. Different etchants (LiOH, NaOH, KOH) at various concentrations between 1 and 15 normality have been used at different temperatures between 15°C and 50°C. The effects of stirring the etchants and interrupting the etching process have been studied. The bulk etching behaviour of cellulose nitrate depends on the normality, the temperature and the stirring of the etchant. The track etching rate of cellulose nitrate is independent of mechanical stirring. The threshold of the detector and the charge and isotopic resolution were determined for the different track etching rates. A higher resolution is accompanied by a higher threshold.