[Tfug] OT: Llatex/rubber solvents

[Bexley Hall]

Hi John,

On 3/2/2014 8:27 AM, John Karns wrote:
> On Mar 1, 2014 6:14 PM, "Bexley Hall"<bexley401 at yahoo.com>  wrote:

>> But, I'm at a loss as to what to try!  I know mild solvents (e.g.,
>> mineral spirits) will be useless.  But, I'm unsure of some of the
>> stronger aromatics.
>
>> Since the "business end" of the stirrer is pretty large, I need
>> to invest a fair bit of solvent even to *test* its efficacy.
>
> I'm not a chemist, but I'd try some acetone (nail polish remover) first.
> Available just about anywhere, and in small quantity for trial before
> commuting to buy in larger quantity. To test for efficiency, I would just
> pour some onto the affected area and observe the effect. You should be able
> to determine its suitability that way.

I buy acetone, MEK, spirits, etc. by the gallon so having it on hand
isn't a problem.  My first half-hearted attempts with each (brush some
on the rubber and look for changes) led me to suspect they would be
ineffective.  But, I don't know for sure (hence the reason I'm asking).

Given how active they are, I'd need to find a glass or metal container
in which to set the "stirrer" (I really need to figure out what this
thing is really called!  :< ) lest the container *dissolve* from
the solvent!  (I've learned there are lots of different "plastics"
and they each have different "vulnerabilities" when it comes to these
sorts of solvents).

[I tend to jealously guard my larger *glass* containers for food
storage as most containers for that purpose nowadays are plastic!]

>> And, the more volatile solvents like to evaporate -- suggesting
>> this is likely to consume quite a bit before the job is "done".
>
> I would take the approach of covering the top of the soaking can with
> something like tin foil to minimize evaporation.

Yes, but I've still got the "stalk" (stem?  shaft?) that has to
extend up through any "cover" (it's about 2 ft long).

And, you don't want to leave anything like this indoors (noxious
vapors).  So, set it outside where it *will* see faster evaporation.

(sigh)  I guess I can just try it and see.  If the solvent evaporates
completely (even if it takes a LONG time!), then I don't have to worry
about disposing of it.  So, I guess I have to hope it evaporates
slowly enough to dissolve the "rubber" -- and fast enough that I don;t
end up with a jar of solvent sitting out on the porch for the next
month!

[This is always the "problem" with mineral spirits used to dissolve
"tar" -- its great because you can set something in it for many days
without worrying that it will evaporate and the "stuff" you are
trying to dissolve will reharden.  But, at the same time, you end up
with a container of "black liquid" that you have to be vigilant not
to spill!]

Thx,
--don