How Environment Affects Magnetic Recording Tape

The increasing emphasis on higher and higher operating and/or storage temperatures for data acquisition apparatus requires a critical appraisal of the behavior of available magnetic recording tapes as their rated operating limits are approached or exceeded. Among the criteria that bear examination are the dimensional stability, strength and toughness of the substrate, and the chemical stability of the binder and the magnetic material. Unexpected physical effects can be experienced within the generally accepted ``safe'' environmental limits. Critical temperatures and observed effects are described.