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I just cut open an old inner tube I had laying around and noticed there is a white powder in there. What is it? Why is it there?

allyourcode
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1 Answers1

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It is talc, and it is used in the tube making process to prevent the inner tube rubber from sticking to itself.

Batman
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  • Thanks. Do you know how I can test if it's talc? – allyourcode Feb 09 '15 at 04:26
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    You'd have to do some chemistry, but I don't know the particular chemical tests you'd have to do off hand. You could email the tube manufacturer as well. Technically, I suppose it could be cornstarch as well, though talc is the traditional material. – Batman Feb 09 '15 at 14:13