The word "vulcanise" is spelled with the "c" and "s" combination, which can be tricky for non-native English speakers. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈvʌlkənaɪz/, where the 'c' is pronounced as /k/ and the 's' is pronounced as /z/. This process involves adding sulfur to natural rubber to make it stronger and more durable. It is named after Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, because the process involves heating the rubber to high temperatures.
Vulcanise, a transitive verb, is derived from the word "vulcanize" which refers to the process of treating rubber or rubber-like materials with sulfur or other similar substances in order to improve their strength, elasticity, and durability.
When rubber material is vulcanized, it undergoes a chemical reaction wherein the added sulfur forms cross-links or bonds between rubber molecules. This process results in the formation of a three-dimensional network, making the rubber more resistant to heat, harsh environmental conditions, and mechanical stress. Additionally, vulcanization enhances the elasticity and flexibility of rubber, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.
Typically, vulcanisation involves heating the rubber compound while mixing it with sulfur or other vulcanizing agents, such as accelerators and activators. The controlled heating activates the vulcanizing agents, allowing them to react with the rubber molecules, thus forming strong chemical bonds. Vulcanization may also involve the use of pressure, depending on the specific type of rubber and intended application.
Vulcanised rubber finds extensive use in various industries, including automotive, construction, aerospace, and manufacturing, where the material is required to withstand high temperatures, resist chemicals, provide insulation, exhibit elasticity, and demonstrate durability. This process has revolutionized the use and reliability of rubber-based products, ensuring their longevity and extended service life.
In summary, vulcanise refers to the treatment of rubber with vulcanizing agents, primarily sulfur, to modify its properties, such as strength, elasticity, and resistance to environmental factors, making it a crucial process in the rubber industry.
To change the proPerties of, as of india-rubber, by causing it to combine with sulphur and white-lead by the agency of heat.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "vulcanize" comes from the name of the Roman god of fire, Vulcan (also known as Hephaestus in Greek mythology). The term was coined by the English chemist Charles Goodyear in 1843 to describe a chemical process he developed to strengthen rubber and make it more durable. Goodyear noticed that when natural rubber was mixed with sulfur and then heated, it became more resistant to extreme temperatures and gained additional strength. He compared this process to the transformative powers of fire associated with the god Vulcan/Hephaestus, and thus named it "vulcanization". The term has since been used to describe a variety of processes that involve heating rubber or other polymers with sulfur or other chemicals to improve their properties.