Rubber has extensive usability. From car tires to marine fenders, this material serves its purpose perfectly. However, rubber has a specific life and starts to weaken after that. This weakening of rubber material makes people ask: Does rubber rot?
No, rubber does not rot. Instead, it degrades. Rotting is common in organic matters like wood. Degradation of deterioration is standard in the rubber material. So, the material starts to lose its quality. Many factors contribute to its degradation, such as heat, UV rays, oxidation, etc.
Rotting and degradation are two different concepts. Rubber, either natural or synthetic, undergoes deterioration over time. Understanding this topic is essential for buying rubber products such as marine fenders. So, keep reading as I dive!
What is Rubber Made From?
Before we discuss our main question, let’s first understand the formation of rubber. There are two types of rubber, and they differ in production. Those include natural and synthetic rubber. Natural rubber is made from a white-colored liquid called latex. But the question arises: Where does this latex come from?
Latex is extracted from a tree called Hevea Brasiliensis. It is not used directly from the trees. Instead, it goes through a series of processes to form a fine piece of rubber. Natural rubber has a higher level of elasticity. Rubber made from latex is different from synthetic rubber.
The synthetic rubber is made artificially by the process of polymerization. Certain petrochemicals are used in this process. The manufacturers can add additives during the production process. As a result, they can get custom benefits depending on their production needs. Manufacturers use both natural and synthetic rubber extensively.
Does Rubber Deteriorate?
Yes, rubber deteriorates or degrades over time. However, its deterioration is not like other organic compounds. Its degradation means the wearing and tearing of rubber over the long journey. Certain specific factors break down the particles of rubbers. Due to this, it loses its elasticity and gets burst.
First, let’s debunk a popular myth that rubber rots. It does not! No rubber-made products rot; they deteriorate over time. Rotting is the decay process that happens in organic matter. For example, wood, plants, and food wastes can decay due to their chemical decomposition.
However, deterioration is different from rotting. In this deterioration, chemical changes happen slowly in the material. Rotting and deterioration indeed affect the quality of the material. However, rubber deteriorates and degrades after continuous use for years. Is it clear now that rubber does not rot but deteriorates?
This rotten rubber cannot withstand external pressure and environmental changes. Therefore, it cannot perform its functions properly. Types of rubber cannot stop it from deteriorating. Even synthetic rubbers with added additives can also deteriorate. However, the time for deterioration can vary from type to type.
If you see rubber polishing getting faded, it is a sign that it has started to deteriorate. There is little that you can do to stop this deterioration. Every material has its life, and the same holds for rubber. You can slow down deterioration by keeping it away from sunlight or painting it.
Is Rubber Used in Making Marine Fenders Rot?
No, the rubber in marine fenders does not rot, but it deteriorates. Using high-quality rubber can increase the duration of the deterioration. Moreover, proper maintenance also can make your rubber fenders last longer. But you don’t need to worry; this degradation is not instant.
Marine fenders are generally made of synthetic rubber. This rubber is solid, elastic, and capable of absorbing shock. Due to its robustness, many believe it is invincible to degradation, which is wrong. The degradation period of the rubber used in the fender is very high. So, the fenders remain in good shape for years.
The primary reason behind their deterioration is salty water. Moreover, we cannot ignore the impact of consistent exposure to sunlight and UV rays. Due to this slow but steady degradation, the marine fenders lose their elasticity. Once their elasticity diminishes, their performance goes down. So, vessel owners replace them with new ones.
However, there are a few ways to help you prolong the life of your rubber fenders. First, you can use proactive covers on these marine fenders. This will save them from the direct impact of UV rays. Moreover, you should keep them dry and clean when they are in store. Regular check-ups on these fenders are essential.
Causes of Rubber Dry Rot (Deterioration)
Dry rot in rubber indicates deterioration, not the decay you see in organic matter. Many factors contribute to dry rotting in rubber. Understanding these factors will help you prevent dry rotting in your rubber products. So, let’s discuss them one by one.
1- Rubber Aging
Aging is a natural and gradual process in rubbers. As you know, each material has its specific life. Right? Similarly, the rubber also remains in good shape for a particular time. After that, it ages and degrades depending on the intensity of the use. If you have rubber fenders, they will begin to degrade even if you keep them under extreme care.
This is one of the drawbacks of using rubber material. Different factors, such as high temperatures or UV lights, speed up aging. But the good thing is that rubber material generally ages after many years, so you can keep it in use for a long time. However, the time will come when you’ll have to replace the product.
2- High or Low Temperature
Rubber is sensitive to temperature. It cannot tolerate temperatures that are too high or too low. However, each type of rubber has a different temperature tolerance. At very high temperatures, the particles of rubber undergo thermal breakdown. Imagine a rubber product used at a high temperature of 70 degrees Celsius.
This high temperature will reduce the flexibility and elasticity of rubber by up to 50%. At the low temperature, the molecules of rubber become stiff and brittle. Did you notice that rubber in the winter becomes easily breakable? That happens due to the low temperature, which makes molecules stiff and easy to break.
Rubber fenders also generally face this issue. Typically, their quality starts to decrease with the fluctuation of extreme temperature. High temperatures reduce their elasticity. Conversely, low temperatures make them less suitable for absorbing shocks and prone to cracking.
3- Exposure to UV Radiation
Ultraviolet radiation primarily comes from sunlight. Right? When rubber is exposed to these rays for an extended period, the rubber molecules start deforming. This deformation or breaking down of molecules is due to photooxidation. This is a kind of oxidation that takes place in the presence of light.
Remember, the impact of UV radiation is not immediate. Instead, it slowly deteriorates and affects the quality of the rubber material. As a result, the product starts to lose its strength and flexibility. Consistent exposure to UV rays will cause cracking issues. These cracks affect the rubber by expanding.
Coup d'œil rapide : Different rubber materials can respond differently to UV radiation. However, they all remain affected to some extent. No rubber is 100% safe from UV radiation’s impact. That’s why it is recommended not to expose rubber products to extreme sunlight for long.
4- Moisture, Pressure and Ozone Impact
Both moisture and pressure are harmful to rubber’s longevity. Do you know why rubber fenders become fragile quickly? That’s because of their consistent contact with water and moisture. Rubber absorbs moisture more quickly, which makes molecules soft and easy to rot.
High-pressure wind also diminishes the physical appearance of rubber. The consistent prrubber’s physical appearance is the rubber. Another big issue contributing to rubber rotting is exposure to ozone. You might feel confused about what ozone is. Well, it is three oxygen molecules that are very reactive. When rubber is exposed to these, the reaction happens.
The reaction affects the rubber’s chemical structure, causing it to lose its strength and elasticity. Want to protect your rubber product from the impact of this ozone? You’ll keep your product covered. This will prevent exposure to harsh conditions, making it safe.
5- Chemical Exposure & Oxidation
Chemicals cause rubber to deteriorate through a process called chemical degradation. Many types of rubbers are sensitive to certain chemicals. When rubber comes in contact with these chemicals, molecules start degrading. This degradation, if left unchecked, can cause more severe cracks.
Oxidation is another factor that enhances dry rot rubber. Exposure to oxygen affects rubber quality. The oxygen reacts with the rubber’s polymer chain. When this chain breaks down, it results in the deterioration and cracking of the rubber.
Preventions of Deterioration of Rubber Material
You cannot completely stop rubber rotting (degradation). It might sound bad, but that’s an unfortunate reality. However, you can take some steps to slow down this process. Here are some handy tips to keep rubber degradation at bay.
- First of all, always store your rubber product at a mid-range temperature. Exposing it to too high and too low temperatures is never a good idea.
- When rubber products such as fenders and others are not in use, keep them covered. Ideally, different Fender covers are available. When they are not in use, you should keep your fenders secure in these covers.
- Ozone can also affect the polymer chain of rubber. Moreover, the impact of UV rays cannot be neglected. I recommend keeping your product away from these elements.
- Different types of protective coating are available. These shields or coatings protect the rubbers from UV rays, ozone, moisture, and other harsh conditions. Marine fenders can benefit from using these coatings. Why? The reason is that these coatings withstand the effect of salty water.
- You should never ignore your material or product. Instead, always keep it checked and well-maintained. It involves proper cleaning and inspection. If you find any chemical on the rubber, remove it immediately.
Some rubber products are specialized in bearing shocks. The example includes the fenders that you use in ships and vessels. You should always keep them stored in the vessels or boats when you’re not docking. This will ensure that they are not exposed to moisture and sunlight. As a result, you’ll get a better life.
Questions fréquemment posées
Can rotted rubber be recycled?
Yes, rotten or degraded rubber can be recycled. However, the quality of the final recycled product will depend on the level of the degradation.
How long does rubber last?
Rubber’s lifespan varies from type to type. Some types, such as isoprene or SBR, can last up to 5 years. On the other hand, more robust rubber, such as Neoprene, can last around ten years.
Does rubber degrade with time?
Yes, rubber, whether natural or synthetic, degrades slowly. Different factors, such as sunlight, UV rays, ozone, pressure, and moisture, contribute to this degradation.
Conclusion
Rubber is an extensively used material due to its flexibility and elasticity. Manufacturers use rubber to make products that can withstand shocks. For example, marine fenders absorb the impact by compressing. However, this material does not rot when it comes to rotting.
However, deterioration is common in almost all products. From natural to synthetic, all types of rubber undergo distortion. You cannot stop deterioration, but you can slow down the process. This guide features all the safety measures to save rubber products.