vulcanization
/ˌvʌlkənəˈzeɪʃən/
noun
- The chemical process of treating rubber with sulfur and heat to make it stronger, more elastic, and more durable.
- Vulcanization prevents rubber from becoming sticky in hot weather or brittle in cold weather.
- Modern vulcanization techniques are used to produce everything from shoe soles to conveyor belts.
- Charles Goodyear discovered vulcanization in 1839, revolutionizing the rubber industry.
Synonyms