Tape failure in terms of a change in tape properties will be a characteristic of the particular system on which the tape is intended for play. For example, the degree of hydrolysis of a tape binder system is a critical property that may determine the lifetime of a magnetic tape. LE values are indicated as a function of storage conditions. Note that from the above chart, humidity is more important in determining the lifetime of the VHS tape than the storage temperature. The life expectancy chart above was generated solely on the basis of a specific degree of hydrolytic degradation of the binder polymer.
Tapes can fail for several reasons, however.
Tapes can become too sticky to play as a result of an increase in the coefficient of friction or an overabundance of hydrolysis products. They can fail due to a loss in the magnetic signal as a result of a decrease in magnetic remanence or coercivity. They can fail because the magnetic coating has failed to adhere to the tape backing. They can fail due to irreversible shrinkage of the tape substrate. The above information was provided to show how estimates of life expectancies can be made.