Vulcanization is a thermosetting process that is obtained through a chemical-physical intervention that implements the mechanical characteristics of natural rubber: it becomes more elastic, resistant to abrasion, impermeable to gases, chemical actions, electricity and heat.
Vulcanization prevents the rubber from deforming if the temperature rises, greater resistance to atmospheric agents and less wear degradation of the rubber.
The process involves the combination of rubber and sulfur: high pressure
and at high temperatures, the sulfur atoms form bonds between long chains of
rubber molecules.
This increases the strength and durability of the rubber and reduces its
stickiness.
After the vulcanization process, the rubber is subjected to control tests to verify that its properties.
Curiosity:
– The term “vulcanized” comes from Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and
metalworking.
– The vulcanization process was discovered by the American inventor Charles
Goodyear in 1839.