Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

name         Jerry K.
status       other
age          50s

Question -   Is glycerine a good rubber protectant?
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It depends upon what you mean by "protectant". You need to know the kind 
of rubber, where/how it is to be used, and against what the rubber is 
being protected. Glycerin will not protect rubber against damage by 
ultraviolet light from the sun. On the other hand, since it is very polar, 
it might offer some protection to rubber against oily type materials.

Vince Calder
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Jerry,

The answer depends on what you're trying to protect it from -- 
oxygen/ozone, sunlight, heat, organic solvents etc. In general, glycerin 
would be a poor choice to protect against any of the above. It is not 
useful as a sunlight protectant, oxygen can penetrate it, it is sticky and 
is therefore a messy dust collector, and it is water soluble and will wash 
off easily if exposed to weather. Why not use one of the many commercial 
products designed to meet your requirements?

Regards,
ProfHoff 620
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