Question

Mineral spirits(mineral turpentine)type 1 is a

mixture of aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons
with a maximum content of 25% aromatics
and less than 0.1% benzene and all kind of
impurities.
I have noticed that if i soak piece of
rubber(2cm^3 cube)in mineral spirits type
1,the rubber swells.I assume that a specific
type of hydrocarbons diffused into the rubber
and cause it to swell.
Which type of hydrocarbons are diffused into
the rubber and responsible for the
swelling?(the aromatic ones?)and is there a
way to remove the mineral
spirit(residues)from the swollen rubber or the
hydrocarbons in the mineral spirits are
actually bonding to the rubber molecules,so it
can't be removed?

Answer 1

Aromatic hydrocarbons in mineral spirits type 1 are likely responsible for the swelling of rubber. This swelling is reversible, with mineral spirit residues removable by evaporation, although complete reversibility may not always occur.

Step-by-step explanation:

The hydrocarbons that are likely responsible for the swelling of rubber in mineral spirits type 1 are the aromatic hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons are known to be good solvents for certain types of rubber due to their unique structure and solubility properties.

The swelling is a physical process where the rubber absorbs the hydrocarbons, causing it to expand. This can often be reversible, and the mineral spirits can be removed from the rubber.

One method to remove the mineral spirit residues is through evaporation, allowing the volatile components to leave the rubber, which may result in the rubber shrinking back to its original size.

However, in some cases, certain compounds may remain, or molecular interactions may alter the rubber, which can prevent complete reversibility.