In determining the shelf life of uncured rubber linings, several instances but be understood:
- The level of heat memory built into a compound (ex. Synthetic Rubber takes more heat to break down than a Natural Rubber)
- The lower the storage temperature, the longer the rubber lining will be useable.
As a rule of thumb the average uncured rubber linings (NR, IIR) will have a shelf life of approximate shelf life of 9 to 12 months if stored at a temperature of 10°C (also out of sunlight). If the linings are stored at a lower temperature the rubber lining will much longer the 12 month period. Please note that Neoprene (CR) and Nitrile (NBR) compounds have a typical shorter shelf life than the above mentioned compounds. In dealing with these compounds a great of caution is to be used as they can cure much faster. If storing rubber at a lower temperature that the recommended 10°C the rubber may become frozen, if this was to happen the roll will need to be unrolled and left at an ambient temperature for 2 weeks to thaw the rubber. After the 2 week interval the rubber will need to go on a hot table to help facilitate any shrink that might of occurred during the freezing process.
Any Questions please contact RubberSource @ 519-830-0546.
Buck Meadows / Rubber Technologist
Technical Sales Manager
RubberSource