In simple terms, rubber ages due to a combination of environmental factors:
Sunlight breaks the chemical bonds in rubber polymers.
Regularly treating rubber surfaces replaces lost oils and creates a barrier against oxygen and ozone: how to keep rubber from dry rotting work
Rubber compounds are designed to be "worked." In products like tires and work boots, movement and flexing actually push internal protective waxes to the surface.
What do you work in (high heat, chemicals, or outdoors)? In simple terms, rubber ages due to a
Storing items like tires, rubber boots, or hoses in direct sunlight or in a hot attic/shed.
How to Keep Rubber From Dry Rotting at Work Rubber is a staple material in almost every workplace. It is found in vehicle tires, conveyor belts, safety boots, PPE, and specialized seals. However, rubber is highly vulnerable to a destructive process called dry rotting. Understanding how to prevent dry rotting at work is essential for extending equipment lifespan, saving operational costs, and maintaining employee safety. Understanding Rubber Dry Rot Storing items like tires, rubber boots, or hoses
Excessive heat dries out the essential oils in rubber, while extreme cold makes it brittle.