Vulcanization, discovered by Charles Goodyear in the 1830s, treats natural rubber with sulfur or other chemicals to create new polymer bonds, making it stronger and more versatile for industrial use. Companies continue to develop new vulcanization techniques to reduce costs and expand product offerings.
Vulcanization is a process of treating natural rubber which makes it much more resistant and suitable for a wider range of applications than would otherwise be possible. Credit for discovering this process goes to inventor Charles Goodyear, who developed it in the 1830s, although another inventor was granted a patent in the 1840s. Vulcanization revolutionized the rubber industry and made possible a range of industrial products, from reliable car tires to play balls. Today, different techniques are used in the vulcanization process.
Natural rubber tends to be extremely sticky. In hot temperatures it deforms, while in low temperatures it becomes very brittle. These features make it largely unusable for many applications. When rubber was introduced to the West from the regions of South America where it came from, it was considered primarily a curiosity, with no obvious applications. This changed when Goodyear developed a technique for processing the highly elastic material.
In the vulcanization process, the rubber is treated with sulfur or other chemicals. This creates new polymer bonds and an extremely strong material. In the heat it holds its shape and in the cold it remains flexible. It is also less sticky after machining, eliminating problems such as burring and gumming of components. Manufacturers have also been able to create extremely tough and durable rubbers for heavy-duty applications such as aircraft tires.
Companies interested in rubber production often have vulcanization projects underway in their R&D departments. They are looking for new ways to process rubber in order to reduce costs and expand their product offering. When these techniques are successful, they can allow a company to patent proprietary processes for side income by licensing the rights. While the basic vulcanization technology is in the public domain, specialized processes can offer greater control and more options for manufacturers.
Companies can handle rubber in a variety of ways as they process it to develop different characteristics. Some rubbers need to be harder or more flexible than others, and in some cases very tight tolerances are required. Others may only need to operate in a limited range of temperatures and therefore don’t need as extensive treatment before they are ready for use. Different vulcanization techniques can allow companies to choose from a library of options when preparing rubber products, both for new products and for replacing worn rubber components in existing products.
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