RUBBER: How to conserve properly ?

[markus]

Gentlemen -

I don't know whether the topic of conserving rubber has been dealt with here before, but I would appreciate any advise.

I have these 'Sokol' space gloves (ex Sergey Zalyotin, Soyuz TM-34/TMA-1) in my space memorabilia collection.

The gloves are from his taxi flight to the ISS in Oct. 2002.

I note that the rubber already looks quite dry and has some superficial cracks.

What can I do to conserve these properly to they don't break apart in the long run?

Thanks a lot in advance and kind rgds!

Markus
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[markus]

Answered my own question:

Best thing is to keep the ítems out of sunlight and in a cold environment.

Found this short publication of the Smithsonian:

http://www.si.edu/mci/English/resear...rioration.html

A pity that our ítems are sometimes slowly fading away before our very eyes...

Cheers,
Markus
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[markus]

...the gloves upon return to earth (center)...

[bodes]

Some rubbers are made of natural materials.....While others like neoprene are made synthetically....Unfortunately rubber has a shelf life and once it starts to deteriorate, the damage is irreversible.....As you already posted, prevention is the key....Keep away from heat and sunlight....Bodes

[BROBS]

also it is best not to be kept too dry, either.