Maya Ellison
Plastic and rubber are common materials that are prone to continuous deterioration. This can be caused by chemical, physical, or biological factors, such as oxidation, hydrolysis, or exposure to harmful UV rays. To protect plastic and rubber, it is important to minimize these factors. This can be achieved through proper storage conditions, cleaning methods, and the use of suitable protectants and treatments. For example, using UV protectants and applying silicone-based treatments can help prevent sun damage and deterioration. Additionally, controlling the storage environment, such as temperature and humidity, can slow down the degradation process. Understanding the composition of the plastic or rubber and its specific vulnerabilities is crucial for determining the appropriate care and conservation methods.
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What You'll Learn
Avoid direct application of organic solvents to plastics
The direct application of organic solvents to plastics should be avoided as it can dissolve plastics such as CA, CN, PA, PMMA, and PS. It can also extract additives like plasticizers and stabilizers from PVC and rubber. This can lead to irreversible damage, as seen in the case of a CN mirror wrapped in alkaline buffered tissue. The nitrogen oxides emitted by the mirror reacted with the tissue to form calcium nitrate, which caused irreversible damage to the mirror's surface.
When planning activities involving solvents, such as painting or varnishing, it is recommended to temporarily remove all plastics to protect them from exposure. The use of sorbents is advised when ventilation is not possible, and combining this with indicators like cresol red can effectively slow the rate of deterioration and detect harmful vapors.
To protect plastics, it is crucial to identify the specific type of plastic and understand its vulnerabilities. Traditional display and storage methods can accelerate the deterioration of plastics, leading to unattractive and corrosive damage.
Additionally, plastics should be stored in cold, dark, dry, and oxygen-free conditions to promote longevity. Refrigerators or cold storage rooms can provide suitable environments for storage, and sealed glass or vapor-proof containers with dry silica gel can help reduce humidity.
By following these guidelines, the adverse effects of organic solvents on plastics can be mitigated, ensuring the preservation of plastic items.
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Use a quality protectant with UV blockers
Plastics and rubbers are prone to UV damage. The sun's UV rays break down chemical bonds in polymers, causing plastics and rubbers to wear down and disintegrate over time. This process is known as photodegradation and can cause discolouration, loss of strength, and increased brittleness.
To protect plastics and rubbers from UV damage, you can use a quality protectant with UV blockers. One such product is 303 Aerospace Protectant, which provides superior protection against UV rays. It is a spray that repels dust, lint, and staining while helping to prevent fading and cracking, keeping surfaces looking newer for longer. It dries to a smooth, matte finish with no oily or greasy residue. It can be used on vinyl, plastic, synthetic and natural rubber, PVC, metal, gel coat, fibreglass, stainless steel, and more.
Another option is TriNova's UV Protectant Spray, which gives outdoor surfaces a protective layer to counteract the damaging effects of UV rays. It prevents fading and cracking and restores colour and luster to sun-faded surfaces. It can be used on vinyl, plastic, rubber, fibreglass, carbon fibre, and leather surfaces.
When selecting a UV protectant, it is important to choose a quality product that is designed for the specific type of surface you wish to treat. It is also important to follow the application instructions carefully to ensure effective protection.
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Store natural rubber in an oxygen-free environment
Natural rubber is prone to oxidative deterioration due to its reaction with oxygen in the air. This oxidation process can be slowed by storing the rubber in an oxygen-free environment.
One way to achieve oxygen-free conditions is by using oxygen-absorbing materials such as Ageless, which is often used in museums to preserve artefacts. This product is packaged in envelopes or heat-sealed oxygen-barrier film, providing an economic way to create oxygen-free conditions. Alternatively, rigid containers can be flushed and filled with inert gases to achieve the same effect. However, this method is not suitable for materials that release acidic gases as they degrade, as the enclosed space will become acidic and speed up degradation.
Corrosion Intercept is another product that can be used to protect rubber. It comes in sheet form and can be heat-sealed to fit objects of various shapes. Vacuum extraction can be used in conjunction with Corrosion Intercept to remove air and enhance protection. This product reacts with volatile sulfur compounds and acids, and when combined with Ageless, provides an effective barrier against light and moisture. However, it should not come into direct contact with oily exudates, as this can cause staining and swelling.
To store natural rubber in oxygen-free conditions, cold, dark, and dry environments are recommended. These conditions can be found in the refrigerator section of a frost-free refrigerator or a low-humidity cold storage room. Rubber items should be placed in sealed glass or vapour-proof plastic containers along with dry indicating silica gel, which absorbs moisture. The silica gel will remain blue when the air is dry and should be replaced when it turns pink.
It is important to note that traditional cleaning methods, such as using solvents or water-based solutions, are not suitable for rubber. Instead, dry cleaning methods such as careful brushing or vacuum cleaning are recommended to avoid damaging the rubber.
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Use a trim restorer to rejuvenate plastic
Plastic trim restorers are a great way to rejuvenate plastic surfaces and bring them back to their original shine and vibrance. They are especially useful for car interiors, which often feature plastic and rubber trims, door trims, armrests, and console trims. These products are designed to restore and protect plastic surfaces, enhancing their appearance and providing a protective layer against harsh elements.
One popular product is the DIY Detail Plastic Trim Restore and Protect, which offers a convenient and quality solution for automotive plastic restoration. It is a long-lasting plastic sealant that not only restores the trim's appearance but also protects it from future damage. This product is easy to use; simply clean the trim surface thoroughly, apply a small amount to a microfiber cloth or applicator pad, and rub it evenly over the trim until the desired level of restoration is achieved. Let the product dry for several minutes, then wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.
Another option is to use a product like Bowden's Own Vinyl Care, which is suitable for interior vinyl, plastic, and rubber surfaces. This product is a gentle cleaner and rejuvenator with a built-in UV protectant, helping to slow down the sun's ageing and fading effects. It is important to note that when using this product, the surface should be out of the sun and cool to the touch before application. Spray the product onto the surface or a special interior applicator, and work in small sections to ensure thorough coverage.
In addition to commercial products, there are also some unconventional methods mentioned online, such as using mayonnaise or canola oil on a rag to restore plastic trim. However, it is important to exercise caution when considering these methods, as some popular suggestions, like using a heat gun or blow torch, can end up damaging the plastic or causing it to fade faster.
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Avoid treatments generating harmful gases
The degradation of plastic and rubber materials can be accelerated by traditional display and storage methods, as well as the application of organic solvents and surfactants. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid treatments that generate harmful gases.
For instance, certain plastics, such as cellulose esters, deteriorate through hydrolysis, reacting with atmospheric moisture and becoming increasingly acidic over time. To mitigate this, dry and cold conditions can be maintained to reduce the rate of the hydrolysis reaction. Additionally, these objects should be well-ventilated to prevent the accumulation of acidic vapours.
In the case of rubber, degradation can be caused by exposure to light, oxygen (ozone), and heat. High-intensity light, especially unfiltered daylight and fluorescent lamps, and other sources of high UV radiation, should be avoided. The use of lamps with low UV emission or the installation of UV filters can effectively reduce UV radiation exposure.
For both plastics and rubbers, excluding oxygen from the surrounding environment can be beneficial. This can be achieved using oxygen-absorbing materials, such as Ageless, which is a simple and economical solution.
It is important to note that treatments involving solvents, such as painting or varnishing, should be performed away from plastic and rubber items to prevent exposure to harmful gases. Proper disposal of plastics is also essential to avoid open burning practices that release toxic fumes, such as dioxins and VOCs, into the air.
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Frequently asked questions
To protect your car's plastic and rubber parts from the sun's heat, you can use a protectant with UV blockers. You can also use a silicone-lube treatment.
To clean plastic and rubber surfaces, you can use a specialised product such as Vinyl Care, which is a water-based formula that is safe and non-toxic. You can also use a microfibre cloth with a small amount of product to clean plastic trim.
To prevent the deterioration of plastics and rubbers, you can store objects in a dry, cold, oxygen-free environment. You can also separate objects that release acidic vapours, and provide good ventilation or use enclosures with materials that absorb acidic vapours.
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