Lämpövulkanoidut

Lämpövulkanoidut is a Finnish term that translates to "heat-vulcanized" or "thermally vulcanized" in English. It refers to a process used in the rubber industry where rubber compounds are cured or vulcanized by the application of heat. Vulcanization is a chemical process that transforms rubber into a more durable and elastic material. Traditionally, this involved mixing rubber with sulfur and then heating it. The heat activates the sulfur, causing it to form cross-links between the long polymer chains of the rubber.

In modern applications, "lämpövulkanoidut" typically implies using controlled heat and pressure, often in an autoclave or a heated mold. This process can be achieved through various methods, including steam vulcanization, hot air vulcanization, or using specialized heating elements. The specific temperature and duration of the heating process are critical and depend on the type of rubber, the additives used, and the desired properties of the final product. Lämpövulkanoidut rubber exhibits improved tensile strength, elasticity, resistance to abrasion, and reduced susceptibility to temperature changes compared to unvulcanized rubber. This process is fundamental to manufacturing a wide range of rubber products, from tires and hoses to seals and footwear.