Preserving an A7L spacesuit neck dam - collectSPACE: Messages

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Preserving an A7L spacesuit neck dam

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Author	Topic: Preserving an A7L spacesuit neck dam
Guswastheman Member Posts: 85 From: Gresham, OR Registered: Apr 2011	posted 05-04-2018 11:19 AM I have an Apollo A7L spacesuit neck dam used by Al Worden during training that is starting to crack and wanted to know if anyone has suggestions on how to stop further deterioration and/or restore the rubber. Thanks!
Panther494 Member Posts: 402 From: London UK Registered: Jan 2013	posted 05-04-2018 02:30 PM I'm not an expert in this field but from what I've picked up over the years rubber is continually degrading. Ideally if it can be stored in a cold, dark, dry, pollutant and oxygen free environment then it will last a lot longer but then you don't have the benefit of looking at it in display. At the very least, keep it away from UV light and try to have a constant room temperature. Handle it as little as possible but above all, enjoy the item.
Rick Mulheirn Member Posts: 4167 From: England Registered: Feb 2001	posted 05-04-2018 06:41 PM It might be an idea also, if you can acquire a suitable piece of ethafoam to shape a piece so that the neck dam can be displayed or stored in something like its original shape. Otherwise, as the rubber deteriorates, it will harden and distort so something to keep its approximate shape can only help.

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