Re: [ARSCLIST] [AMIA-L] Storage of Acetate Magnetic Media

[David Lennick <dlennick@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Mwcpc6@xxxxxxx wrote:

> There does seem to be evidence that acetic acid in the presence of iron
> oxides catalyzes breakdown of cellulose acetate. Therefore it is not wise to
> prevent the dissipation of the acid by sealing acetate base material in bags or
> steel cans.
>
> It also would be a good idea to isolate Kodak tape, and any other tape
> showing signs of breakdown, from other tapes.
>
> Mike Csontos

I may have mentioned, either to this group or 78-L, that I received a few reels of
tapes stored in film cans. All the tapes were from around 1951-2, most were Scotch
111, and they certainly smelled vinegary. They also played perfectly and once I put
them into normal cardboard boxes, the smell began to dissipate, although it's still
there faintly after about five months.

dl