The Power Of Ebonite

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Hi all - whilst de-rubbering Carrier wheels I have come across this substance that was utilised to bond the rubber onto the metal of the wheels. I thought of posting this in the re-rubbering thread but it was not only Carrier wheels this method was used on. I reckon this stuff is related to kryponite as it just sat there for about thirty seconds with the application of my flame torch, which is like a jet after-burner. It then decided to boil out of the grooves. So if you are going down the track of re-rubbering solid rubber tyres bonded with ebonite, be prepared for hard work.

From the Museum of Plastics - Ebonite, or hard rubber, was obtained by Charles Goodyear last century, subjecting rubber to prolonged vulcanization. Certain goods made from hard rubber were on show in the 1851 exhibition at Crystal Palace, London. This compound is half way between true plastic materials and natural rubber. During the prolonged vulcanization process 30-40% sulphur is added to the mass, giving a compound with high dielectric power, high resistance to chemical products, a certain hardness and rigidity up to 50°C. and a bright and shiny appearance. For many years hard rubber contended with Celluloid and phenolic resins in many applications. It was used in semi-manufactured extruders, subsequently worked on machines or compression moulds with two moulds. Hard rubber was very successful in the growing pen industry. It was also used for battery separators, telephone receivers, frames for photographic plates, cigarette holders and dental material.

Bob