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Steve Tinker · 01-17-2010, 02:48 PM

There was an interesting article in one of the Petroleum Institute's magazines a while ago discussing the "lifespan" of modern plastics and synthetic rubbers (for use of a better word). The general opinion was a life of approximately 20 years before the plastics lose their lubricity and bonding agents leading to decomposition. I think that foam rubber is a typical example, is it starts to decompose after less than 10 years, sometimes after 5 years for the cheaper stuff.
The magazine article noted that the plastics were still degenerating even in original packaging stored in warehouses.
And doesn't the Boxster have quite a few "plastic" engine parts in the sump subject to temperatures, oils and acids???
So what will the newer dashboards, arm rests, seat foam and door cards look like in (say) 30 years time when a normal, everyday type vehicle starts to become a classic to Joe Average - 'cos he had one as a kid?

01-17-2010, 02:48 PM	#21
Steve Tinker Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 1,522	There was an interesting article in one of the Petroleum Institute's magazines a while ago discussing the "lifespan" of modern plastics and synthetic rubbers (for use of a better word). The general opinion was a life of approximately 20 years before the plastics lose their lubricity and bonding agents leading to decomposition. I think that foam rubber is a typical example, is it starts to decompose after less than 10 years, sometimes after 5 years for the cheaper stuff. The magazine article noted that the plastics were still degenerating even in original packaging stored in warehouses. And doesn't the Boxster have quite a few "plastic" engine parts in the sump subject to temperatures, oils and acids??? So what will the newer dashboards, arm rests, seat foam and door cards look like in (say) 30 years time when a normal, everyday type vehicle starts to become a classic to Joe Average - 'cos he had one as a kid? Last edited by Steve Tinker; 01-17-2010 at 02:51 PM.