Natural Rubber - Vulcanization

Vulcanization

Natural rubber is often vulcanized, a process by which the rubber is heated and sulfur, peroxide or bisphenol are added to improve resistance and elasticity, and to prevent it from perishing. The development of vulcanization is most closely associated with Charles Goodyear in 1839. Carbon black is often used as an additive to rubber to improve its strength, especially in vehicle tires.