What Temperature Does Rubber Melt?

Rubber melts at around 365 degrees Fahrenheit. But it will burn at even higher temperatures. The melting point of rubber is lower than most materials which makes it quite compatible with use in different conditions. However, on average the rubber melting temperature depends on the type of rubber you are using. If it is elastomer then the rubber will burn at around 200°F. But for thermoplastics, it is around 200°F and 260°F.

If you want to use the rubber for a longer time then make sure to store it in a dry and cool environment. To get more insights on using the rubber, keep reading the article. 

Does Rubber Melt Or Burn?

What temperature does rubber melt

Rubber melts at a temperature of about 365 degrees Fahrenheit and burns at a higher temperature. 

Natural rubbers tend to melt but manufactured ones can burn when exposed to extremely high temperatures. Manufactured rubbers typically don’t tend to be flammable but if it gets to the flashpoint, it catches fire and creates a dangerous situation.

The burning rubber emits flammable vapor which becomes trapped in the molten rubber and then catches fire with an explosive force. This molten rubber can lead to severe burns and the fumes from this rubber tend to be quite toxic and poisonous. 

Bonus: Find out if ash wood is good to burn

What Is The Melting Point Of Rubber?

The melting point of rubber is about 365 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). 

You also need to know that the melting point of rubber is the temperature at which the chemical bonds between carbon- and hydrogen atoms are broken, causing the rubber to become soft and pliable. This can be measured using a pyrometer, which measures specific heat capacity.

In addition, there are many different types of rubber, each with different properties and uses. Some rubbers have a low melt point, while others have a high melt point. The higher the melting point, the better the properties will be for your application.

What Temperature Can Rubber Withstand?

The rubber’s melting point is dependent on the type of rubber. For example, natural rubbers have a melting point of around 47.5 degrees Celcius, while synthetic rubbers have a melting point closer to 50 degrees Celcius.

If you are using high-quality rubber in a low-temperature environment, then you may find that your rubber can withstand much more than if you were to use the same type of rubber somewhere else.

Here are some general guidelines for what temperatures can be tolerated by different types of rubber:

Rubber Parts:  -20°C to +60°C (0°F to +140°F)

Rubber Products:

-40°C to +80°C (32°F to +176°F)

How To Prevent The Rubber From Melting

To prevent the rubber from melting store it in a cool and dry place with low humidity levels. This is because if exposed to high temperature and humidity then the rubber will get sticky. 

But apart from this, you can use tires of high quality or apply a protectant over the rubber surface to avoid melting. Let’s dive deep into how we can improve the quality of the tire rubber. 

Apply Protectant: 

You can apply protectants to reduce the deterioration of the tire quality. By applying these protectants you can ensure more elasticity from your tires. The protectants come with silicone-free, biodegradable compounds which makes it easier for the rubbers to last for a longer time. 

Product Name Features
SONAX Rubber Protectant
  • Silicone-free, biodegradable, and water-repellent
  • Protects the rubber from diluted acids and alkaline substances
  • Protects the rubber from UV Damage 

Normally, UV and oxidation are the usual culprits of the rubber getting less elastic. Through applying these protectants you can improve the overall elasticity or at least slow down the deterioration. However, over time, it will be difficult to stop the impacts of oxidation. 

Use Higher Quality Rubber:

The rubber in your tire or any device is not natural rubber. Rather it is a mixture of rubber with mineral oil or phthalates. This oil is what makes the plastic molded into shape and in turn softer. So, with use and time, the rubber becomes gradually bad in quality. 

To avoid this, opt for a higher-quality product. This will keep the rubber working for a longer time. When you go out shopping, make sure to check the rubber quality

Avoid Exposure to Heat:

Don’t keep the rubber in direct sunlight for long periods, especially if it’s hot out. Rubber will absorb heat from the sun and become unbearably warm. If you need to leave your project outside for any reason, put the project in an airtight container or wrap it up tightly before doing so.

Can Tires Melt From The Heat?

Tires can melt from the heat, but it’s not a common occurrence. The reason for this is that the temperature at which tires melt depends on several factors, including the type of tire and where it’s located.

Tires Melt From The Heat
Source: Sciencing

There are three ways that a tire can melt:

  • Impact or through friction with another object (like a car bumper)
  • Excessive heat generated by the friction of driving on hot roads or parking lot surfaces
  • Exposure to extreme temperatures such as high temperatures

What Happens When You Burn Rubber?

When you burn rubber, the process is not as simple as it seems. The burning process involves the release of carbon dioxide and other substances that are responsible for the smell.

The first thing that happens when you burn rubber is that a lot of carbon dioxide escapes from the tire. This happens because rubber has a high carbon content, and when it burns, it releases its carbon in the form of CO2.

Burn Rubber
Source: Pinterest

Once these gases are released, they also react with oxygen in the air to create water vapor which leads to an even stronger smell.

Bonus: Find out if olive oil can catch on fire or not. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can A Tire Catch On Fire?

Yes, tires can catch on fire and cause a lot of damage to your car or truck. The most common cause of tire fires is excessive heat buildup in the tire. The tires are made of a rubber compound that can withstand high temperatures but not indefinitely.

If you drive over very hot pavement or if there’s too much heat generated by the brakes, it could cause your tires to become too hot and start to burn.

Can Rubber Melt In The Oven?

Yes, rubber can melt in the oven. This happens because rubber is thermoplastic, which means that it can stretch and deform when heated. When you heat rubber, it will expand and become softer. Therefore, inside an oven, rubber will melt. 

Can Boiling Water Melt Rubber?

Yes, boiling water can melt rubber. Rubber is a polymer, which means that it’s made up of many small molecules linked together to form long chains. When you heat rubber, these chains break apart and reform at a lower temperature. This makes rubber more flexible when it’s hot but less flexible when it’s cold.

Conclusion

In conclusion, rubber melts at around 365 degrees Fahrenheit. But normally, you don’t have to get the rubber exposed to this condition. If you want to make sure that the rubber products last for a long time then go for a higher quality rubber and apply protectant. However, don’t expose your tires to high-temperature and it will work for a longer time.