0
$\begingroup$

Polymers can be hardened by a process known as vulcanization (curing of elastomers), a chemical process that involves a curing agent and heat.

According to Wikipedia, for the vulcanization of rubber, sulfur is used, whilst for neoprene (polychloroprene) metal oxides are used (MgO, ZnO and somtimes Pb3O4).

I wonder if a polymer coating (assumed neoprene) that was altered by cleaning alcohol (isopropanol) and became tacky/sticky, can be hardened again by applying a suitable hardening agent and heating with a simple temperature controlled hot air station. If yes, which the temperature ranges and which precautions?

Envisaged application: restoring the coating of a laptop palmrest that became tacky/sticky.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
2
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ Haha, yes, hypothetically. I recommend you split this in three questions: what is that polymer on laptop palmrests and similar applications that turns sticky? What happened to the same when it turned sticky? And lastly how can I harden it again? $\endgroup$
    – Karl
    Oct 18, 2021 at 17:41
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Just buy a new palmrest... $\endgroup$
    – Mithoron
    Oct 18, 2021 at 21:41

0

Reset to default

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.