vulkanisoituminen

Vulkanisoituminen is a chemical process that transforms natural rubber or related polymers into a more durable and elastic material. This is achieved by heating the rubber with sulfur or other chemical agents. The sulfur atoms form cross-links between the polymer chains, creating a three-dimensional network structure. This network restricts the movement of individual polymer chains, preventing them from permanently deforming under stress and improving their resilience.

The process was discovered by Charles Goodyear in the 1830s. Before vulcanization, rubber was sticky and soft in warm weather and brittle in cold. Vulcanization dramatically improved its properties, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including tires, hoses, footwear, and numerous industrial products. The degree of vulcanization, controlled by the amount of sulfur and the reaction conditions, determines the final properties of the rubber, such as its hardness, tensile strength, and elasticity. Modern vulcanization processes often involve accelerators and activators to speed up the reaction and improve efficiency.