Rubber Vulcanization

Natural rubber has some serious defects; it is weak, easily becomes sticky and is not very elastic. To improve the physical properties (strength and heat resistance) of the material, it is taken through a vulcanization process, in which the polymeric chains of rubber undergo a crosslinking reaction, initiated by the addition of sulphur to form a stable 3D network . This reaction occurs at room temperature, but very slowly. To increase the rate of the chemical reaction, heat is applied. Many products in a vast range of industrial sectors, including Automotive (e.g., door seals and windshield wipers) need to be thermally treated to undergo vulcanization to maximize product performance. Vulcanization can be perfomed using either batch or continuous oven technology.