Vulcanization is the process and the result of vulcanization. The act of vulcanizing, in turn, refers to the combination of an elastic rubber with sulfur, so that the rubber in question remains elastic both hot and cold.
The term derives from Vulcan, god of fire according to Roman mythology. The discovery of vulcanization is attributed to the American Charles Goodyear (1800-1860). There are versions that indicate that Goodyear would have accidentally dropped a container containing rubber and sulfur on top of a stove. Other sources, on the other hand, affirm that the American discovered vulcanization after a long investigation and several experiments.
Vulcanization, in short, consists of heating rubber or other rubber together with sulfur. Thus, the rubber acquires greater resistance. Vulcanized rubber, in this context, is used in the manufacture of various products, such as condoms, hoses, shoe soles, and tires. It can be said that vulcanization implies a cure that cannot be reversed. Cured rubber becomes a thermosetting material because, despite the increase in temperature, it does not melt. At a chemical level, vulcanization occurs through the formation of crosslink bridges between polymers arranged in parallel lines. In this way, the elastic molecules come together and the rubber gains greater stability, making it more resistant and durable, without giving up the typical elasticity of the material. Vulcanized rubber has acquired new mechanical properties and is a less sticky raw rubber. This makes it more useful in the field of industry.
