Jeanne,
Doubt that there is a "permanent" rubberband (I've heard a rubber band
and I've seen a peanut stand but I've never seen an elephant fly!)
because of the nature of the compound.  In them there older days
(pre-Dumbo) one tied with string or linen tape.  Dissolving rubberbands
contain sulfur (if I remember from conservation days) which in humid
micro-environments yield sulfuric acid which ain't good for the paper
being banded.  Even if my chemistry is off the sticky, gooey mess isn't
nice.  Just my 2 ¢.  Dick King, University of Arizona.

Jeanne Callen wrote:

>Good morning, I've been asked to do some research on the lifespan of a
>rubberband!... I'm wondering if anyone knows of a type of rubberband or
>band that has a longer lifespan.  Typically, records are stored within
>file folders but for the occassional ones that are not I'm wondering if
>anyone has any suggestions.
>

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