Moisture in one's archive storage area will exacerbate the breakdown. Neuman says the analytical tools of the 1970's weren't sharp enough to reveal the binder limitations at the onset. Tape deterioration was recognized in the early 1980's when a major remastering phase for the emerging Compact Disc technology occurred. Users found their irreplaceable tapes sticky and unplayable. During heating, the binder's stubby chains rebonded into the proper longer chain, and made the tape almost as good as new.
Many people use a convection oven to restore their tapes.
It's just an oven with an internal fan to ensure even heating. Bill Lund reports that some are using a food dehydrator oven that makes an inexpensive heat source. Ampex uses a BLUE M industrial laboratory oven for their research, this unit costing in the hundreds of dollars. A candy thermometer in the oven will help you monitor the desired temperature. Put your tapes in when the oven is cold.