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Lance:
I apologies for being
unclear in my response. My response was specific to vinegar syndrome and
was intended to point out that cardboard boxes could act to slow down
vinegar syndrome simply because they would allow the buildup of acetic acid to
dissipate. I did not mean to imply that I think using cardboard boxes to
store tape in is a good idea. As a disaster recovery specialist, I
heartily disapprove of storing tape in cardboard boxes but for reasons other
than vinegar syndrome.
In addition to your point
that many boxes have an unacceptable PH, cardboard boxes also supply virtually
no protection to the tape from crushing or falling damage, provide no protection
against water incursion, retain moisture that can damage tape,
are flammable, are subject to mold growth that can infect the tape and
can produce contaminating dust as they age.
Peter Brothers
President
SPECS BROS., LLC
(201)
440-6589
www.specsbros.com
Restoration and Disaster Recovery Service
Since 1983
-----Original
Message-----
From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
[mailto:ARSCLIST@xxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Watsky, Lance
Sent:
Wednesday, August 11, 2004 9:10 AM
To:
ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] audio reel archival
containers
Peter:
It was clear from your posting, that good
airflow in a container will help to slow down the rate of acetic acid
build-up, thus helping to slow down the rate of deterioration. My concern
with your posting, is when you mentioned that "cardboard boxes would work
well". It needs to be added that the "old" cardboard boxes are usually not
inert to begin with, and have a very high Ph, they will decompose over time
and eventually give off acid on their own. Certainely, we have all seen old
acetate tapes that have turned brown, sometimes even leaving an imprint of the
plastic reel. Since this is true, then the acid that is emitted from the
breakdown of the cardboard boxes will actually help to speed up the
deterioration, unless new inert boxes are
utilized.
Thanks,
Lance Watsky
Preservation & Media Specialist
The Georgia Archives
5800 Jonesboro
Road
Morrow, GA 30260
678-364-3764 (phone)
678-364-3860
(fax)
lwatsky@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.GeorgiaArchives.org
From the testing I've
reviewed, it's pretty clear that acetic acid will catalyze the breakdown of
acetate. As such, any method (that does not otherwise damage the
acetate) of removing traces of the acid from proximity to the
tape should help slow down the reaction. Testing has shown that
acetate tapes will decay slower if they are exposed to an air-flow that
removes the residual acid than will tapes that are in sealed containers that
trap the acid inside. Cardboard boxes would work well for the simple
reason that they are not air-tight and allow the acid to
escape.
It's also important to
have a positive air pressure and air flow in the storage area so that the
acid is removed from the area. Removing the acid from the proximity of
one tape and then trapping it in a room can catalyze breakdown in other
tapes stored in the same space.
The Tuscan cans should
work ok as long as there is enough air movement in the room to allow some
air to circulate through the air vents and channels in the
cases.
Peter Brothers
In a message dated 8/9/2004 5:11:12 PM Eastern Standard Time,
ArcLists@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
I'm suspicious
that the traditional cardboard box is
functioning something like a
molecular sieve and absorbing some of
the acetic acid outgassing/effluent
from the tapes and retarding any
vinegar syndrome.
***************
Keeping tape in unsealed cardboard boxes does seem to
help preserve it.
"ProVent Audio's vented design allows active airflow through the
container to prolong the life of audio tape or 8mm film."
Everything I've seen indicates that you want to get the acetic acid
out of the room completely, not trap it near the acetate.
Controlling the room's humidity should prevent excessive drying.
The thickness of film base may be a factor in preventing the acetic
acid from leaving the material, explaining the faster deterioration,
however the compulsion to seal film in metal cans in sealed vaults
certainly has a greater effect. I've yet to see vinegar syndrome in
any of my 40+ year old tape or film, however the material I just
received from a friend who was meticulous about "protecting" his material
definitely does show the effect (now stored in a separate room for
airing).
Mike
Csontos
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