Do CDs deteriorate with time? What is their life span?
A CD consists of a polycarbonate top layer, an aluminum (or gold) metal reflective layer, a polycarbonate bottom layer, and some miscellaneous printing ink. Of these materials, polycarbonate seems to be extremely stable with time provided that it is well cared for. Do not use any liquids on a CD that contain silicones or solvents. Do not leave CDs in sunlight or other bright light. Do not stick labels on CDs. Do not write on CDs. Do not expose CDs to temperatures higher than normal room temperatures. Don’t leave a CD under water. Even the top side of a CD is critical and subject to damage.
A CD consists of a polycarbonate top layer, an aluminum (or gold) metal reflective layer, a polycarbonate bottom layer, and some miscellaneous printing ink. Of these materials, polycarbonate seems to be extremely stable with time provided that it is well cared for. Do not use any liquids on a CD that contain silicone or solvents. Do not leave CDs in sunlight or other bright light. Do not stick labels on CDs. Do not write on CDs. Do not expose CDs to temperatures higher than normal room temperatures. Don’t leave a CD under water. Even the top side of a CD is critical and subject to damage. Some pressings from the early 1980s used ink which damaged the polycarbonate top layer and eventually got into the aluminum. These inks are not in use today. Some earlier discs were made with imperfect sealing around the perimeter of the disc. This was evident because the aluminum in the disc extended all of the way to the disc edge. These discs were known to fail due to moisture getting to the alumin
A CD consists of a polycarbonate top layer, an aluminum (or gold) metal reflective layer, a polycarbonate bottom layer, and some miscellaneous printing ink. Of these materials, polycarbonate seems to be extremely stable with time provided that it is well cared for. Do not use any liquids on a CD that contain silicones or solvents. Do not leave CDs in sunlight or other bright light. Do not stick labels on CDs. Do not write on CDs. Do not expose CDs to temperatures higher than normal room temperatures. Don’t leave a CD under water. Even the top side of a CD is critical and subject to damage. Some pressings from the early 1980s used ink which damaged the polycarbonate top layer and eventually got into the aluminum. These inks are not in use today. Some earlier discs were made with imperfect sealing around the perimeter of the disc. This was evident because the aluminum in the disc extended all of the way to the disc edge. These discs were known to fail due to moisture getting to the alumi
