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UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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#1
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Disintegrating rubber bands
What's happened to rubber bands? About 10% of my mixed stock are in
various stages of decay. I suppose this is something to do with being eco friendly, but it means I can't trust them any more for holding stuff together for more than a few weeks. Can you still buy good ol' rubber bands? What's the decay process of the eco ones - does they decay from manufacture or is it initiated by the first stretch? Phil |
#2
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Disintegrating rubber bands
"Phil Addison" wrote in message ... What's happened to rubber bands? About 10% of my mixed stock are in various stages of decay. I suppose this is something to do with being eco friendly, but it means I can't trust them any more for holding stuff together for more than a few weeks. Can you still buy good ol' rubber bands? What's the decay process of the eco ones - does they decay from manufacture or is it initiated by the first stretch? Phil On my experience the old ones used to do what I can only describe as 'melt' and stick to everything. Modern, presumably plastic, ones keep good for years. Light doesn't have a good effect on the old ones. Mary |
#3
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Disintegrating rubber bands
"Mary Fisher" wrote in message . net... "Phil Addison" wrote in message ... What's happened to rubber bands? About 10% of my mixed stock are in various stages of decay. I suppose this is something to do with being eco friendly, but it means I can't trust them any more for holding stuff together for more than a few weeks. Can you still buy good ol' rubber bands? What's the decay process of the eco ones - does they decay from manufacture or is it initiated by the first stretch? Phil On my experience the old ones used to do what I can only describe as 'melt' and stick to everything. Modern, presumably plastic, ones keep good for years. Light doesn't have a good effect on the old ones. Mary I'm guessing at the decay process, but natural rubber is stabilised by a process called vulcanisation, whereby sulphur creates cross linking between the rubber molecules, stabilising them. Remove that sulphur, maybe by a process of oxidation, I don't know, and possibly a stcky natural rubber is the result again. Just a guess, Andy. |
#4
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Disintegrating rubber bands
"Andy" wrote in message ... "Mary Fisher" wrote in message . net... "Phil Addison" wrote in message ... What's happened to rubber bands? About 10% of my mixed stock are in various stages of decay. I suppose this is something to do with being eco friendly, but it means I can't trust them any more for holding stuff together for more than a few weeks. Can you still buy good ol' rubber bands? What's the decay process of the eco ones - does they decay from manufacture or is it initiated by the first stretch? Phil On my experience the old ones used to do what I can only describe as 'melt' and stick to everything. Modern, presumably plastic, ones keep good for years. Light doesn't have a good effect on the old ones. Mary I'm guessing at the decay process, but natural rubber is stabilised by a process called vulcanisation, whereby sulphur creates cross linking between the rubber molecules, stabilising them. Remove that sulphur, maybe by a process of oxidation, I don't know, and possibly a stcky natural rubber is the result again. You're right but I didn't want to show off :-) Mary Just a guess, Andy. |
#5
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Disintegrating rubber bands
Phil Addison wrote:
What's happened to rubber bands? About 10% of my mixed stock are in various stages of decay. I suppose this is something to do with being eco friendly, but it means I can't trust them any more for holding stuff together for more than a few weeks. The UV light degrades them. Leave one on the window sill for a few weeks, and it will just crumble.. |
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