Have Microfilm From the Mid 1980's?
Checked for Vinegar Syndrome?
Most microfilm created prior to 1980 has a backing made of
acetate plastic. These acetate films are subject to an
additional kind of degradation called ''vinegar syndrome''. All
master microfilm created today uses a polyester plastic backing.
Under proper storage conditions, today's film has a 500 year
Life Expectance (LE). The older acetate films have no more than
a 100-year LE. Since some of this film is now over 60 years old,
we are beginning to see more and more vinegar syndrome
degradation.
When the backing on acetate films begins to degrade it releases
acetic acid. This is exactly the kind of acid that makes vinegar
smell and taste like vinegar. The release of the acid into the
air in the film's canister begins a rapidly accelerating process
of film degradation that can only be stopped by duplication onto
modern polyester backed film.
The major complication with vinegar syndrome film is that the
film begins to "bow and curl". In advanced stages the film will
be so wavy that if it is taken off its storage reel it cannot go
back on because its volume doubles.
Most influential factors promoting vinegar syndrome (in order of
influence)
Heat
Moisture
Acid Level
In closed containers, acid acts as a catalyst that accelerates
and supports deterioration. How to determine if collection is
affected:
Vinegar smell
Support shrinkage
Support brittleness
Plasticizer migration to the surface
Contact American Micro for information on corrective actions.
Find out how American Micro has helped other Kansas City area
organizations with "vinegar syndrome". Call us at 816-221-0123