ikäitumine

Ikäitumine, also known as hardening or vulcanization, is a chemical process used to convert rubber or other elastomers into a more durable material. This process was first discovered by Charles Goodyear in 1839. The term "ikäitumine" comes from the Finnish word for hardening.

The process involves the addition of sulfur or other curatives to the rubber, which then undergoes heating. This heating causes the rubber molecules to cross-link, forming a three-dimensional network. This network gives the rubber its increased strength and durability, making it resistant to wear, tear, and chemicals.

Ikäitumine is widely used in the production of tires, hoses, belts, and other rubber products. It is also used in the production of certain plastics and other materials. The process can be adjusted to produce different levels of hardness and flexibility, depending on the specific application.

While ikäitumine significantly improves the properties of rubber, it also makes it more difficult to recycle. This is because the cross-linking makes it harder to break down the material into its original components. As a result, there is ongoing research into alternative methods of improving rubber properties that are more environmentally friendly.