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General Discussion & Feedback => Just Chat! => Topic started by: Jimbee on 08/06/2023 05:48:09

Title: Heat-Treating Rubber Bands...
Post by: Jimbee on 08/06/2023 05:48:09

Interesting story. I had some rubber bands in my attic from some time back. And they were pretty old, several years at least. It gets pretty hot in my attic because I don't cool it. And the rubber bands were in perfect condition.

This seems odd to me, at least. Because it seems rubber bands deteriorate and warp almost immediately, or so it seems. This has happened to me more than once too. Heat seems to make my rubber bands last longer.

What gives?

Title: Re: Heat-Treating Rubber Bands...
Post by: Bored chemist on 08/06/2023 08:43:26

What trashes rubber bands is mainly oxidation. If you wrap them well they last for ages.
Light (especially UV)  is also a factor; I assume it's dark up there.