How to remove bonded layer rubber from steel cord?

I don't know about solvents, but many companies use a belt stripper winch.

Depending on the belt you are using, I would get in touch with the belt manufacturer. I do know Goodyear does considerable research along these same lines and perhaps they could point you in the right direction.

Another potential source might be from belt maintenance companies that do a lot of splices and repairs.

Good luck!

Jamie

You could try cryrogentics. The molded rubber industry uses cryogentics to remove neoprene rubber from contacts so the it can be remolded. After freezing the rubber is cracked away like a nut from contacts, leaving them perfectly intact. This should work for you cord uless it is stranded, which means the rubber may be impregnated deep into the cord. It should be at least worth a try.

You can't easily. The bonding mechanism is as follows. Rubber will not stick to steel. It can stick to copper (actually bronze as the steel wire is often plated with bronze) IF the rubber includes a resorcinol adhesive. Part of the trick is to ensure that there is a good bond between the plating and the steel. The next step is to be sure to use enough resorcinol as insufficient adhesive will result in a poor bond. Enough is a subjective term as resorcinol is quite expensive, coming from nearly a monopoly (but that is another issue). Armed with this knowledge, the bonding takes place at nearly an atomic bonding level rubber/resorcinol=copper=steel. As such, there is no room for a solvent to penetrate the bond, as is possible with many glues. Short of stripping the plating, or mechanical removal which destroys much of the steel and the plating, this about the best bond you can make. Good luck in breaking it.

I always thought that working for one of the tire companies might eventually be useful.

Toluene or MIBK

Liquid nitrogen can also be used to embrittle the rubber for easy removal.