Vulcanization is a range of processes for hardening rubbers. The term originally referred exclusively to the treatment of natural rubber with sulfur, which remains the most common practice. It has also grown to include the hardening of other rubbers via various means.

What is vulcanised rubber used for?

Vulcanised rubber is used to manufacture all sorts of products today. Perhaps the best-known and most prevalent use of vulcanised rubber is vehicle tyres, which are commonly combined with the reinforcing agent carbon black for even greater strength.

What is vulcanisation?

vulcanization, chemical process by which the physical properties of natural or synthetic rubber are improved; finished rubber has higher tensile strength and resistance to swelling and abrasion, and is elastic over a greater range of temperatures.