The silver is formed into stable soluble complexes that can be removed by washing. The emulsion and the surport is not adversly affected. The developed silver is not affected by it. Components Solvent Water is the solvent. It has a couple of roles.
Water dissolves the chemical components.
It is absorbed by the emulsion, bringing with it, the fixing agent. It dissolves the silver thiosulfate complexes formed, enabling them to be removed. Fixing Agent Sodium thiosulfate and ammonium thiosulfate are the most common fixing agents. Sodium thiosulfate, a powder that has been used since the beginning of photography, is also known as hypo. Ammonium thiosulfate is a liquid that is easier to mix, works more rapidly, and has a greater capacity.