Vulcanization of rubber

Vulcanization is a chemical process that involves adding sulfur to natural rubber and heating it. This process hardens the rubber and increases its durability and strength, making it more suitable for use in various applications such as tires and shoe soles. During vulcanization, the sulfur forms cross-linkages between the long chains of rubber molecules, making them more rigid and less elastic. This results in the hardening of the rubber and makes it more resistant to abrasion and tearing. Vulcanization also helps to prevent the growth of fungus on the rubber by making it more resistant to environmental factors such as heat, humidity, and moisture. In summary, vulcanization hardens rubber through cross-linkages and increases its durability, strength, and resistance to environmental factors such as fungus growth.