Introduction of vulcanization process used in rubber ceramics

Chemshun rubber ceramics is with high wear resistant ceramics vulcanized in resilient rubber. They possess many benefits including high hardness, superior abrasion and impact resistance corrosion and chemical resistance. Except for the alumina ceramics which are bonded in the rubber sheet, the vulcanized rubber itself also contribute to high wear resistant property. Therefore we are giving an introduction of a popular and useful chemical process -- vulcanization.

What is vulcanization?

The problem with natural rubber is that it is not useful in its unaltered state. In hot temperatures, the rubber melts and becomes sticky. In cold temperatures, it gets rigid and brittle. Enter a process called vulcanization.

Vulcanization is a chemical process, invented by Charles Goodyear, used to harden rubber. Vulcanization traditionally referred to the treatment of natural rubber with heat and sulfur and this remains the most common example, however the term has also grown to include the hardening of other (synthetic) rubbers via various means. Adding sulfur to the vulcanization process gives the rubber better strength, elasticity, and durability.

What happens to rubber when it is vulcanized?

During the process of vulcanization, chemical bonds are formed between the independent polymer chains of a particular rubber, resulting in a molecular network within the polymer matrix. These new chemical bonds are often called cross-links. Chains of sulfur atoms, single sulfur atoms, carbon-carbon atoms or polyvalent metal ions may form these cross-links. Vulcanized rubber becomes stiff and less sticky due to the formation of this molecular network.

Most importantly, the vulcanized rubbers retract to their original shape upon the release of large mechanical stresses. Thus, the process of vulcanization reduces the amount of permanent deformation and increases the retroactive forces. In other words, the process of vulcanization decreases the plasticity, while increasing the elasticity.

The cross-links between sections of polymer chain results in increased rigidity and durability, as well as other changes in the mechanical and electrical properties of the material. The process of vulcanization has now been extensively developed, and is the global science and industry that is rubber compounding.