what is vulcanized rubber

Vulcanized rubber is a type of rubber that has been hardened through a process called vulcanization. Vulcanization is a chemical process that involves heating rubber with sulfur, accelerator, and activator at 140-160°C, which forms cross-links between sections of polymer chain, resulting in increased rigidity and durability, as well as other changes in the mechanical and electrical properties of the material. Vulcanization can be defined as the curing of elastomers, with the terms vulcanization and curing sometimes used interchangeably in this context. Vulcanized rubber is stronger and more elastic than traditional rubber, and it can withstand greater pressure and stress without warping or becoming deformed. Vulcanized rubber is used in a wide range of products, including tires, footwear, keypads, and gaskets. The process of making vulcanized rubber involves submerging the rubber in a bath of sulfur and additives, molding it into the desired shape, and then heating it in an oven-like chamber.