M-DISC Data Layer Stability in the DVD+M 4.7GB 1,000 Year InkJet Printable Disc |
The Data Layer The materials used in the M-DISC data layer are extremely resistant to oxidation. Even so, if enough oxidation occurs over the centuries, the M-DISC could still become unreadable at some point in time. Determining the maximum rate of oxidation is the key to determining the lifetime of the M-DISC. Measuring Longevity Greater than 10,000 Years A worst-case scenario for failure in the data layer would be a critical loss in reflectivity as the metals in the M-DISC slowly oxidize. Failure would occur when the reflectivity dropped below the minimum specification of 18%. Figure 1 shows the reflectivity curve we would expect to see due to oxidation if the M-DISC data layers reach a reflectivity of 18% after 10,000 years. The curve shows that if the M-DISC was readable for only 10,000 years, we would expect to see it lose more than 3% reflectivity after aging only 50 days. A 3% change is easily measurable. Of course, if the reflectivity changed at a slower rate, the M-DISC could be expected to last even longer. The actual observed reflectivity change is less than 1% after 300 to 350 days (as shown with the graph inset into Figure 1) indicating the actual performance of the M-DISC data layer is significantly better than our worst-case scenario. The obvious conclusion is the data on an M-DISC should be readable for greater than 10,000 years when stored in an ordinary, dry, room-temperature environment. Polycarbonate: Stable for 1,000 Years For additional information about this product line, please go to our M-DISC Information Page. You can also view or download this information here. |
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