What is vulcanization?

Vulcanization is the formation of cross-links between the individual polymer chains. polymer chains of the rubber when heat is applied. The produced natural– or synthetic rubber is initially only available as an uncrosslinked thermoplastic (plastic mass). The rubber gains its rubber-like properties through vulcanization. During the first vulcanizations(Charles Goodyear, 1839), sulphur chains were formed as cross-links (sulphur vulcanization). Peroxides and metal oxides (MgO, ZnO, PbO) are now also used.