What is Vulcanization of Rubber?
Vulcanization of rubber is a chemical process of treating rubber or related polymers by adding sulphur or similar “curatives” at great heat to improve elasticity and strength of rubber or to harden them. Therefore, vulcanization of rubber is a curing process of rubber that involves high heat and the addition of sulfur or other equivalent curatives. The vulcanizing process results in interlinked polymer molecules inter-linked by atomic bridges composed of sulfur atoms or carbon atoms. The end result is that the springy rubber molecules become cross-linked to a greater or lesser extent. Vulcanization makes the bulk materials more durable, harder and increases its resistivity against chemical attack. It also smooths the surface of the rubber and prevents it from sticking to metal or plastic chemical catalysts.
