The word "vulcanised" is spelled with a "c" in the middle, even though the sound it represents is usually spelled "k" in English. This spelling comes from the word's origin in the name of the Roman god Vulcan, who was associated with fire and metalworking. The IPA phonetic transcription for "vulcanised" is /ˈvʌlkənaɪzd/, which shows the stress on the first syllable and the use of the letter "c" to represent the "k" sound.
Vulcanised is an adjective that refers to a material or substance that has undergone the process of vulcanisation. Vulcanisation is the chemical reaction or treatment carried out on a raw material or polymer, typically rubber, to enhance its properties and increase its durability, strength, and resiliency.
During the vulcanisation process, the raw material is mixed with sulfur or other chemicals, and then heated to a specific temperature. This causes the sulfur molecules to cross-link with the polymer chains, forming chemical bonds that lead to the transformation of the material's physical properties. The vulcanised material becomes less sticky, more heat resistant, and exhibits increased elasticity and durability.
Vulcanised rubber, for example, is widely used in the production of tires, shoe soles, gaskets, and various other products that require high elasticity, resilience, and resistance to wear and tear. It is also more resistant to abrasion, weathering, and chemicals than non-vulcanised rubber.
The process of vulcanisation was invented by Charles Goodyear in the mid-19th century and revolutionised the rubber industry. It allowed for the mass production of rubber goods with improved quality and opened up numerous applications across various industries.
In summary, vulcanised refers to a material that has undergone vulcanisation, a chemical process that enhances its physical properties, making it more durable, resilient, and resistant to wear and tear.
The word "vulcanized" is derived from the name Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, volcanoes, and metalworking. The process of vulcanization involves treating rubber with heat and sulfur or other chemicals to increase its strength, durability, and resistance to wear. The term was coined by Charles Goodyear, an American inventor, who discovered this transformative process in the 19th century. He named it after Vulcan due to the connection between heat and the volcanic attributes of the Roman god.