What chemical will soften rubber?

While sulfur was the original plasticizer for natural rubber, you can soften most modern rubber by allowing it to soak for at least 24 hours in a solution of three parts isopropyl alcohol and one part methyl salicylate.

Will MEK soften rubber?

Continued cross-linking sometimes also makes the rubber harder as it ages. This is the reverse of men BTW. You can soften rubber with different chemicals though. Naptha also works for some others, MEK.

How do you soften rubber with glycerin?

Restoring Rubber With Glycerine

Heat up the rubber piece in a pot of boiling water. Pull the rubber out of the boiling water, then dip the cotton wad into some glycerine, and wipe down the rubber item with it. Let it dry for 24 hours, then heat the rubber again and wipe it down with more glycerine.

Is wd40 good for rubber?

WD-40 Specialist_® Silicone Lubricant safely lubricates, waterproofs and protects metal and non-metal surfaces such as rubber, plastic and vinyl.

What will dissolve rubber?

Carbon disulphide is used to dissolve rubber but it will not be easy to buy nor will it be easy to work with unless you have a laboratory.

Rubber Softening Experiment : Wintergreen Oil, Brake Fluid, ATF

Does wintergreen oil soften rubber?

I purchased this to soften the rubber sheathing of some audio cables that have become quite stiff over the years. One-part wintergreen oil to four-parts solvent - I used alcohol but xylene works as well. This also works on other rubber components, such as boots and flanges on automobiles.

How do you melt rubber without burning it?

Use any liquid with a higher density than rubber and with a high boiling point. For example, you can use heavy oils. Pour the shredded rubber into the liquid. Heat the liquid until it reaches between 750 and 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Does Vaseline soften rubber?

No. As far as I can tell, there is no reason that Vaseline might gradually degrade the rubber O-ring on which it has been applied.

What is methyl salicylate made from?

Commercial production

Methyl salicylate can be produced by esterifying salicylic acid with methanol. Commercial methyl salicylate is now synthesized, but in the past, it was commonly distilled from the twigs of Betula lenta (sweet birch) and Gaultheria procumbens (eastern teaberry or wintergreen).

What is a good rubber conditioner?

What does muriatic acid do to rubber?

The acid reacts with natural rubber hydrocarbon to chlorinate the surface, making an impermeable membrane. In concentrated hydrochloric acid, it only takes approximately three months for natural rubber crust formations to be in the range of 1/64 (. 016″) thickness in depth.

Does bleach dissolve rubber?

Generally, standard cleaners are safe for most common rubbers, though harsh chemicals like bleach can cause the rubber to crack, lose elasticity, or degrade.

Does citric acid dissolve rubber?

Citric Acid IS perfectly ok to descale your washing machine

It has been brought to our attention that Bosch advise NOT to use citric acid to descale your washing machine with citric acid because it can damage the rubber seal.

What can I use to lubricate rubber?

Some common choices were soap and water, alcohol, gasoline, motor oil, petroleum jelly and silicone spray.

Is olive oil good for rubber?

If your rubber wellies get chalky after a few wears, rub them with olive oil to erase the white marks. Avoid getting oil on the soles, though; it may cause you to slip next time you put them on.

Will heat soften rubber?

Plasticizers keep rubber in a pliable state for better utility. Silicone spray contains the plasticizers needed to restore hardened rubber to its original suppleness. You can also heat rubber to make it more flexible when cold temperatures have caused it to harden.

How do you soften hard rubber soles on sneakers?

If you are wanting to soften the rubber in sneakers, use a hair dryer on the hottest setting for about 10 minutes. You can also put your sneakers in the oven on the "Warm" setting for about 10 minutes, but be sure to place them on a baking dish that you don't use for cooking anymore.

Is vegetable oil safe for rubber?

Vegetable oil should NEVER be used to lubricate mechanical parts. It always leaves a solid deposit which later will be stuck to the parts you wanted to lubricate.