vulcanisation

/ˌvʌlkənaɪˈzeɪʃən/
noun
  1. The chemical process of treating rubber with sulfur or other additives to make it stronger, more elastic, and more durable.
    • Without vulcanisation, natural rubber would be too sticky and weak for most uses.
    • The invention of vulcanisation revolutionized the rubber industry.
    • Vulcanisation is essential for making rubber suitable for tires.