Rubber Vulcanization: An Introduction Of The Concept Through Common Questions
Rubber polymers are vastly used across an array of different industrial and manufacturing processes. However, much like rubber is known to be softer and pliable, rubber polymers are not quite as stable as they should be for certain uses, and this is where rubber vulcanization comes into play. If you are a manufacturing business owner who is just getting started with utilizing rubber polymers in your production processes, you are bound to have some questions about the concept of hardening and stabilizing rubber polymers through vulcanization. Here is a look at a few of the common questions about rubber vulcanization and the answers you should know for a greater understanding.
What is used in the vulcanization of rubber?
Rubber vulcanization can be accomplished in a variety of different ways, and multiple processes are used depending on what the desired outcome is in mind. However, the most common process of rubber vulcanization involves the use of sulfur to chemically harden the softer polymers in the rubber's makeup. Sulfur is the most effective compound to use because it is fast-acting against the macromolecules of the rubber and remains stable once it is used.
What are the different ways vulcanized rubber are used?
Vulcanized rubber actually makes up a lot of what people know to be rubber products. Shoe soles, sports balls, erasers, tires—all of these are examples of products that are actually made out of vulcanized rubber. Of course, every product goes through a different degree of vulcanization depending on how stable the rubber needs to be to meet product specifications during manufacturing processes.
Why is vulcanization of rubber so important to manufacturers?
When rubber is in its natural state, it is actually more of a sticky, tar-like substance that is hard to work with. The rubber is pliable and moldable, but it will not hold its shape well once it is shaped and formed. The reason rubber is like this is because it is made up of chains of carbon and hydrogen that do not really stick together; they just constantly slide past one another instead of binding together. By adding different elements through vulcanization, the hydrogen and carbon are able to bond together and remain stable.
Overall, rubber vulcanization is a highly valuable process in the manufacturing business, If you would like to know more about the equipment necessary for vulcanizing rubber, reach out to an industrial supplier for more information.
