Sticky-shed syndrome

[citation needed] The symptoms of this breakdown can be immediately obvious even when rewinding the tape: tearing sounds and sluggish behavior.

That binder contained polyurethane that soaks up water (Hydrolysis) and causes the urethane to rise to the tape's surface.

[citation needed] Though less common, many Sony branded tapes such as PR-150, SLH, ULH, and FeCr have also been reported to suffer from sticky-shed.

TDK has been showing signs as of late of shedding its lubricant in the form of a white powder or white/yellowish goo.

[citation needed] There have been a few reports of some tape from the current manufacturers ATR and RMGI exhibiting symptoms of sticky-shed.

But these may be isolated incidents relating to prototype or single bad batches and are not necessarily indicative of the overall product line integrity.

Certain batches of Chromdioxid Extra II C-90s, produced around 1989-1991 and sold in the UK, shed a white powder that would coat the record/playback head after a few months of use.

[citation needed] As of 2015, some 35 mm magnetic fullcoat tapes produced by Kodak, such as those used for the audio portion of older IMAX films, are also reported to be exhibiting sticky-shed.

[citation needed] Current solutions to sticky-shed syndrome seek to safely remove the unwanted moisture from the tape binder.

While modification of humidity by safely controlling the environment may take significantly longer, its major benefit is that it does not irreparably damage the tape.