Question

How does vulcanization change the properties of natural rubber and how is it carried out?

How is vulcanization carried out in the case of natural rubber?

Answer 1

1. Forms sulphur crosslinks between long polyisoprene chains, turning soft, sticky rubber into a tougher elastic network.
2. Carried out by mixing natural rubber with sulfur (plus small amounts of accelerators/activators) and heating to promote crosslinking.
3. Increases elasticity and tensile strength, improves heat and chemical resistance, and reduces stickiness and deformation.
4. This process yields commercial vulcanized natural rubber after coagulation and drying.