carpet backing

The carpets I have on the boat have a black rubber backing. The backing has gotten so dry it's brittle. Any ideas on slowing this process down or stopping it. The black is flaking off and making a mess and/ or it's sticking to the deck. Thanks for any help!!!

In our 2004 Weekender 225 the backing on the snap in carpets is breaking down. The carpets and snaps are in very good condition so before we go to the expense of replacing all the carpets is there any product out there that will extend the life of the backing and stop the "shedding" that is...