Using Methyl salicylate to soften rubber. Vulcanization makes natural rubber less sticky and much more durable by adding curing agents. This article was co-authored by Bess Ruff, MA. Stir the mixture until it achieves the desired consistency. Although both these liquids can be handled safely in small quantities, it may be best to use tongs or gloves when inserting and removing the rubber object. Support wikiHow by I'll spare you the chemical explanation, but apparently there is a chemical compound (methyl salicylate) found in wintergreen oil that restores the elastomeric properties of rubber. 3. I found the answer! Written on: July 14, 2020. Wrap the tires in foil until before the race. I'm a big fan of Tyler Rogoway, the defense journalist who blogs at the car-oriented website "The Drive." Depending on the type of rubber, transmission fluid may soften it. Set the stew pot in the sink and submerge the rubber in the water to soften it. A total curing package must be made using several chemical additives, with sulfur as the main ingredient. Can I use Armor All to soften dried out latex and rubber soles? Car soap and vinyl dressing compound are available at most automotive supply stores. Remember to clean the item thoroughly first, ideally with just warm water and a clean cloth. References. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, http://www.elderrubber.com/resources/product-properties.htm, http://www.schoolphysics.co.uk/age14-16/Matter/text/Rubber_band/index.html, http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1992-02-19/entertainment/9201160393_1_elastic-chlorine-bleach-rubber, http://www.citizensleuths.com/rubber-band-analysis.html, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Put on a pair of goggles, a respirator mask and latex gloves, then take the rubber cement and solvent outside or to a well-ventilated area away from children and pets. Step 4 Add the solvent to the dried rubber cement, a few drops at a time. The dosage can reduce the viscosity of the rubber material and make the natural rubber soft and normal use; it can also increase the number of rubber mixing on the rubber mixing machine to force the natural rubber to soften. Avoid washing clothes with elastic waistbands more than needed, and don’t use hot water. by MagnAndy 11-16-2013, 11:31 AM The parts to be softened have to be removed from the bike so that they can be soaked in a solution for up to 24 hours. soak for 24-36 hours in a mixture of 30% wintergreen oil (methyl salicylate) and 70% xylene (from ebay) they have soften up great. Heat some water in a stew pot on the stove. Carolina Arana has been writing professionally since 2003. It can be made in a higher hardness rating and it has better load bearing capacity. If you’ve ever found a rubber band snapped free from its place around a pack of baseball cards, pulled out an old pair of favorite sneakers and found them stiff as a board, or had your vacuum cleaner break down because of some little gasket, belt, or band, you know that rubber hardens over time. Heat some water in a stew pot on the stove. Natural rubber hardens after vulcanization. This article was co-authored by Bess Ruff, MA. Softening Rubber With Heat 1. It may take only a few hours to see results, or instead take several days. So, every time you do soften up a stiff rubber gasket or shoe sole, you are also contributing to its eventual demise. You might even consider keeping tightly sealed rubber items in your refrigerator. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Keep rubber objects clean. To soften polymer clay, hold it in your hands so your body heat can warm it up. How do I soften the rubber coating in my raincoat? If the clay is especially hard, lay a hot water bottle over the clay for about 20 minutes, or microwave it for 10 seconds at a time until it is warm. This will keep the product soft and moisture free. Apply a small amount of the conditioner to the seal using a clean cloth. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? Set the stew pot in the sink and submerge the rubber in the water to soften it. Step 1 Clean the window molding with a mild soap solution mixed with … The length of the cross-links determines the characteristics of your final rubber product. By leaving the leaving the oil in place, the softening process can continue. Additionally, temperatures below -60°F (-51°C) or above 220°F (104°C) will degrade it quickly, while temperature extremes in general will facilitate long-term degradation and hardening. Grip the rubber with a pair of salad or canning tongs and remove it from the water. Lift the bagged piece of rubber and bend it to check for pliability. If you use it, make sure it is dry following use and allow the fumes to clear out before returning the wheel to use. The curing process involves adding plasticizers to the natural rubber that will make it soft and pliable. Last Updated: September 25, 2020 Synthetic rubbers, like styrene-butadiene used to make car tires, require peroxide-based curing systems. This article has been viewed 202,272 times. Another inmate there opined that a mixture wintergreen oil … She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. Brian Birmingham began his writing career in 2007 writing for his high-school newspaper. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. By manipulating the chemical make-up of natural rubber, these properties can be improved drastically. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group. Saturate the sponge with the rubber or vinyl conditioner. Rubber car parts can also be soaked in clean power steering fluid (since the purpose of the fluid is to maintain the rubber seals in the system. To learn how to keep rubber from hardening in the first place, read on! Thread starter Paul Valente; Start date Mar 12, 2018; Paul Valente Automotive Engineer. How to Soften Wiper Blade Rubber. Rub the seal with the cloth to thoroughly work it into the rubber. bent them by hand as they heated up. This will melt the rubber. 68 to 77°F (20 to 25°C) is a sensible temperature range for storing rubber items, though lower temperatures can also be good. Datta; 2002, Acid Soil Preferences for Growing Vegetables. The excessive cold and higher humidity of the freezer, however, makes it a less ideal choice. Heavier levels of dirt, or the presence of mould and mildew, will instead require the application of the diluted bleach mix that we listed above. Check carefully, however, as the rubber can become very hot. An oven or hair dryer is the most likely choice, although some people espouse... 2. How do I soften rubber gaskets on a shipping cart when they're small and hard? Sulfur can't be used to soften synthetic rubbers, though. By using our site, you agree to our. How can I soften an elastic waisbband on boxer shorts? I would start with hot water - place them in a shallow dish of water and microwave them for 20-30 seconds at a time. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Soften-Rubber-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Soften-Rubber-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Soften-Rubber-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid4561362-v4-728px-Soften-Rubber-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"