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Specifications for Plastic Containers for Long-term Storage of Motion Picture Film and Magnetic Tape Media

Specification Number 800-852-1/14/03

This specification is provided as a public service by the Preservation Directorate of the Library of Congress. Any commercial reproduction that implies endorsement of a product, service or materials, in any publication, is strictly prohibited by law. This Specification is written for L.C. purchasing purposes and is subject to change when necessary.

I. General Specifications - II. Product Requirements - III. Inspection

I. General Specifications

A. Composition

The composition of the plastic container stated in the following table is designed to provide containers that not only last long, but also have as little influence as possible on motion picture film in contact with the material.

Material Inert homo- or co-polymer polypropylene, or high density polyethylene (HDPE)
Density 0.94 g/ml or higher at 25° C
Izod Impact
(ASTM D256A)

At least 1.5 ft-lbs/inch of notch for a 1/8 inch specimen
Tensile Yield Strength
(ASTM D638)		 At least 4,000 psi

Tensile Stress at Break
(ASTM D790)

At least 3,800 at 1,000 psi
Young's Modulus
(ASTM D790)		 No more than 230,000 psi
Flexural Modulus
(ASTM D790)		 No more than 250,000 psi
Flexural Strength at 5% Deflection
(ASTM D790)

At least 7,500 psi
Flame Retardant Should preferably be free of halogens. However, halogenated flame retardants will also be accepted, but the total halogen content must not exceed 4% (w/w).
UL Flammability Rating
(UL-94)		 V-2 or better
Antioxidant Distearyl thiodipropionate (DSTDP), 1.0%, or other antioxidants subject to prior approval.
Heat Deflection Temperature
(ASTM D648) 		220°F at 66 psi, or higher
Coloring Agent and Other Additives
  • Carbon black or titanium dioxide only.
    Note: Carbon black is the preferred coloring agent since it adds to the stability of the plastic. Black cans with carbon black should be used for all motion picture masters. Titanium oxide, which will give a white can, may be used for service copies.
  • No other coloring agents or additives are acceptable without specific approval of Preservation R&T Division.

B. Accelerated Aging Test

  1. On subjecting to accelerated aging at 80ºC and 65% RH for 30 days, the components of the can must retain their original integrity. That is, none of the additives must separate and migrate to the surface. Containers that fail this test will be rejected.
  2. The percent loss in physical properties specified above will also be measured for test samples after the aging process.

C. Drop Test

An acceptable container must survive a real-life drop test conducted from a height of 6 feet while containing a full roll of film by dropping it on its edge. This drop test will be conducted with the container and the contents at room temperature and also after prior conditioning at a near-freezing temperature. Any container that cracks will be disqualified from further competition.

II. Product Requirements: Specifications for Plastic Containers for Long-term Storage of Motion Picture Film and Magnetic Tape Media

A. Construction

  1. The can must adhere to standard dimensions for housing film reel(s) specified for procurement.
  2. It is essential that the lid and the can be so designed that the lid is tightly secured when the can is closed, yet it must be possible to open the lid easily without significant effort or inconvenience.

B. Desirable features

  1. A central hub to accommodate standard cores on which film is wound.
  2. A design that facilitates interaction of film stored inside the container with the storage environment without rendering the film vulnerable to water discharged from a sprinkler.

III. Inspection: Specifications for Plastic Containers for Long-term Storage of Motion Picture Film and Magnetic Tape Media

A. Submission of samples

  1. Bidders shall submit three sample cans of each size and also an adequate number of samples required for each of the specified standard tests.
  2. Bidders may submit more than one type of can if they so desire. That is, if they would like the Library to select among competing products that they make, they should feel free to do so. For example, if a vendor can provide a halogen-free container and another containing halogens, both of them can be entered in this competitive bidding process.

B. Selection criteria

A selection panel composed of at least 3 Library personnel will be assembled under the guidance of a procurement officer. Samples that survive the drop test specified in section I.C. will be evaluated according to following criteria:

Product(s) with the highest score will be selected for procurement.