How To Keep Rubber From Dry Rotting Work Patched
What are you trying to protect? (e.g., vehicle tires, conveyor belts, O-rings, or hoses) Are these items primarily used indoors or outdoors ?
Catching dry rot early allows you to replace components during scheduled maintenance windows rather than facing catastrophic failures during peak production hours. Incorporate these checks into your routine preventative maintenance checklists: how to keep rubber from dry rotting work
Use a hygrometer (under $15) in your storage area. If too dry, place a pan of water nearby. If too wet, use a dehumidifier or silica gel packs inside sealed bags. What are you trying to protect
Some people use vegetable oil, coconut oil, or vaseline. Don't. These oils go rancid (attracting dirt and mold), and petroleum jelly causes swelling in some rubber formulations. Some people use vegetable oil, coconut oil, or vaseline
. Dry rot is essentially the breakdown of the rubber's molecular chains, which leads to brittleness and cracking. Once dry rot has significantly set in, it is nearly impossible to reverse, so prevention is key. Accuseal Rubber Inc. 1. Proper Storage Conditions Cool and Dark
This is not a greasy shine product. 303 contains UV blockers and mild plasticizers that bond to the rubber surface without breaking it down. It does not restore dead rubber, but it dramatically slows aging on healthy rubber.