Soft latex-rubber (non vulcanized) is very sensitive to free H2 (hydrogen-gas) that is avialble in the atmosphere at very low concentration (~0.01% by volume) Remember the partyballoons that loose their festive appearance after a few days? H2 is the culprit! By applying talcum or "non corosive" fat/oil the rubber will effectively be isolated from the H2 in the atmosphere, Oil, however, is not very handy if you want to use the rubber for pulleys or drivebands. Talcum can be used if applied sparingly, while maintaining a comfortable level of friction I've fixed shriveled-up pulleys from cassette-recorders by submerging them in arachide-oil for a few hours. Removing the surplus oil (repeatedly) with a mild detergent or alcohol, and applying a bit talcum for preventive maintenance. It's important to let the rubber sweat out the oil for a few days and remove the surplus oil again if needed, before putting the rubber back to active use (oil sticks to tapes and those will be eaten by the recorder or the tapedrive). Sipke de Wal -------------------------------------------------------------- http://xgistor.ath.cx --------------------------------------------------------------