Rubber Protection

I have some rubber components that need protection.
Previously these rubber parts deteriorated probably due to crap in the
air (all I can figure since that is all the were exposed to over years
of sitting untouched). These components are used for light blocking
like on a camera lens and have no mechanical interfaces other than
mounting.

So would using pure silicone spray be best or what?
Spray and wipe off excess leaving a very think film or would it soak
in?

Suggstions please.

 

We need more information. (I have no idea what you mean by "used for light
blocking like on a camera lens".)

There are rubber rejuvenators, such as Fedron. Are they what you're thinking
of?

 

We need more information. (I have no idea what you mean by "used for light

As in shade device.

Never heard of Fedron. Googling ...

 

We need more information. (I have no idea what you mean by "used for light

MSDS shows it is mostly a cleaner.

I do not need a cleaner.

I need to protect from UV and air impurities that will deteriorate the
rubber.

 

Regardless of the what the MSDS shows, Fedron works as a rejuvenator. It can
soften badly hardened rubber.

Do you know how to use a search engine?

 

There's lots of fans of "303 aerospace protectant" or something like that.
You can get it at boating places, maybe some better auto parts stores.

 

What's the group's experience with Armor All?
Seems to help non-porous surfaces, but I'd like something
that would help with the foam stuff that lines instrument cases.

 

What's the group's experience with Armor All?

That foam stuff isn't rubber, and it generally takes a long time (at least a
decade) to deteriorate.

Being porous, the foam's surface area is huge. You'd have to soak the foam
in the protectant! The protectant would wind up coating the equipment.

If there were some chemical that absorbed "bad chemicals" that promoted the
deterioration, it could be put within the case, in a porous bag.

I have several Pelican cases for photo and electronic equipment. They're
about 10 years old, and the foam shows no sign of deterioration. If it does
start disintegrating, I'll be able to buy a replacement insert (probably).

 

Thought I'd wandered into the wrong NG when I saw the heading 'Rubber
Protection' ...

 

The fact is that very few 'rubber' items are actually made from the
sap of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Rather, you are probably
dealing with synthetic rubber, i.e. a flexible plastic. Natural
rubber itself deteriorates from exposure to UV and to air.
Stabilizers are incorporated into both natural and synthetic rubbers
to increase durability. Depending on the stabilizers used, 'rubber'
items will either get brittle or gummy when they age.

Spraying with a silicone compound won't help. The best you can do is
remanufacture the part from a silicone based material.

PlainBill

 

So that is what the OP was talking about, I figured if it was a lens
hood he would have know enough to call it that.

 

Don't be too sure.
Yes rubber get attacked by smog or other air pollutants.

Yes rubber and plastic does deteriorate / break down over time based on
the chemicals used in the formulation. Some plastics turn hard and
brittle, some turn to goo. The steering wheel on my truck goos out
now. The plastic connectors on the engine wiring harness are now
brittle and break easily.

As far as one out of four feet, well that can be totally based on
something else. If that bad foot is near a fan circulating air the its
environment is totally different than the other three. Other
possibilities abound. Is that foot near some other device that makes
it slightly warmer than the others, etc etc. Envirnomental problems.

Just saying it is difficult to blame on only one thing.

 

Chemically there are two Armour All products.
The cleaner is a solvent that will attack stuff and I would never use
it. This based on car magazines of a decade or so ago.
The stuff that goes on the tires seems less problematic and might be
helpful.
Best as I can remember.

 

The OP did not answer my question as to whether he knew how to use a search

Why would I google when I have experts here to answer first.
Then I google to see if you know what you are talking about. Þ

Suggesting to Google is a cop out. >:|

 

So that is what the OP was talking about, I figured if it was a lens
hood he would have know enough to call it that.[/QUOTE]

Only if what I am talking about has a lens anywhere near it.
Darn, I guess my eye counts. My hat is now a lens hood! Or is that
lens hoodie? lol

 

Nobody mentioned KY
Not Kentucky.

 

Because it's respectful to do your homework first, and show that you're
worthy of assistance from experts.

We are not your servants.

I NEVER ask for help until I've done research of my own.

 

Autozone and the like sell spray protectants for use on constant
velocity joint "rubber boots". CV joint boots normally split over time
rather than degenerate. But perhaps these boots are not rubber as they
have to contend with the constant presence of mineral ois.

Al Moodie.

 

It would really help if you explained more.

Are you saying some parts have deteriorated / failed, and now you have
some new ones which you want to protect?

There are many different sorts of rubber. Some are prone to attack by
UV, if they see sunlight. Others by ozone. Sometimes rubbers go soft and
sticky for little apparent reason, with no consistency between nominally
identical parts.

It seems to me that your mysterious parts are deteriorating they are
probably made from the wrong material.

You seem to think that silicone spray might behave like "leather
dressing". But that works by soaking into the fibrous structure of
leather. It is likely to make rubber swell or soften, but may help it
stay flexible.

 

Well said.