Re: [ARSCLIST] Cleaning moldy video tape

["Peter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <lists@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
> [mailto:ARSCLIST@xxxxxxx]On Behalf Of steven c
> Sent: Monday, July 10, 2006 5:33 PM
> To: ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] Cleaning moldy video tape
>
> As well, since videotape consists of (AFAIK) a plastic base and a layer
> of magnetic material (usually metal oxides?), it would seem that any
> mould on the tape would be "eating" some sort of surface contaminant
> on the tape, rather than the actual tape. Does this have a "side
> effect" which can "un-bind" tape and oxide?
>
> Steven C. Barr
>
Steven:

I'm not certain if this posting was tongue-in-cheek since VHS and Beta
videotape recording layers are a binder matrix containing ferric oxide
recording pigments similar to most reel-to-reel audio tapes.  Testing shows
that the fungus is indeed eating components in the binder matrix- no
external contaminant is required (except moisture).  Some of the most common
reactions caused by fungus can include serious chemical degradation of the
binder, inter-wrap adhesion, tape deformation and binder-base adhesion
failure (especially along the tape edges where exposure is most severe).  I
imagine this last effect could be called "un-binding" tape and oxide?


Peter Brothers
President
SPECS BROS., LLC
(973)777-5055
www.specsbros.com

Restoration and Disaster Recovery Service Since 1983