Re: what breaks down a rubber band

Hi Rico,

Rubber bands are made of either natural or synthetic latex.  Natural later 
is the sap that comes out rubber trees.  It is processed by heating under 
specific conditions and vulcanized (mixed with sulfur) to improve its 
durability and the key properties that makes rubber.  Latex can be 
dissolved in solvent such as acetone, although it may take a while. For a 
faster dissolution try methylene chloride or chloroform.

Please be careful these solvents are nasty can be cause health problems 
and fires. I Do not recommend to do this at home.  It should be done under 
supervision in a prooperly ventilated laboratory fumehood!