Vulkaniseeritud

Vulkaniseeritud is the past participle of the verb "vulkaniseerida" in Estonian, meaning vulcanized. Vulcanization is a chemical process that transforms natural rubber or related polymers into more durable materials by adding sulfur or other equivalent curatives or accelerators. This process involves heating the rubber with sulfur, typically at temperatures between 150–200 °C (302–392 °F). During vulcanization, the sulfur molecules form cross-links between individual polymer chains, creating a stronger, more elastic, and more resistant material.

The term "vulkaniseeritud" therefore describes something that has undergone this process. For example, "vulkaniseeritud rehvid" translates to "vulcanized tires," indicating that the rubber used in their construction has been treated to improve its properties. Similarly, "vulkaniseeritud nahk" refers to leather that has been treated through a vulcanization-like process to enhance its durability and water resistance. The discovery of vulcanization by Charles Goodyear in the mid-19th century revolutionized the rubber industry, making it possible to produce a wide range of products, from shoes and hoses to seals and tires, that are essential in modern life. The term "vulkaniseeritud" is a direct descriptor of this altered state of the material.