Binder Hydrolysis

Binder Hydrolysis results when the binder (the adhesive chemical that binds together the plastic backing and the magnetic oxide of an audiotape) begins to break down due to a chemical reaction with the humidity in the air. This chemical process makes the audiotape sticky, causing squealing, dragging, wow, and dropouts when the tape is played back. This condition is also known as “Sticky Shed Syndrome.”