Question

What is the name of the process, discovered by Goodyear, of adding sulfur to heated rubber?

Answer 1

The name of the process, discovered by Goodyear, of adding sulfur to heated rubber is vulcanization.

Step-by-step explanation:

Vulcanization is a chemical process that involves treating rubber with sulfur or other sulfur-containing compounds at high temperatures. The process was discovered by Charles Goodyear in the mid-19th century and revolutionized the rubber industry.

During vulcanization, the sulfur forms cross-links or bonds between the polymer chains of rubber, creating a three-dimensional network. This cross-linking enhances the mechanical properties of rubber, making it more durable, elastic, and resistant to heat, chemicals, and aging.

The vulcanization process is typically carried out by heating the rubber compound with sulfur under pressure. The heat breaks down the sulfur molecules, allowing them to react with the rubber chains and form the cross-links. Various additives, such as accelerators and activators, may be included in the vulcanization process to control the rate of reaction and improve the final properties of the rubber.

Vulcanization has wide-ranging applications in industries such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and healthcare. It is used to produce a variety of rubber products, including tires, seals, gaskets, conveyor belts, and medical devices.

In summary, the process discovered by Goodyear of adding sulfur to heated rubber is called vulcanization. This process enhances the properties of rubber, making it more durable and versatile for various industrial applications.

Answer 2

The process of adding sulfur to heated rubber, discovered by Charles Goodyear, is called vulcanization. This process significantly improves the durability and rigidity of rubber, enabling its widespread use in products like tires and hoses. Vulcanized and synthetic rubbers such as SBR have had a profound impact on the automotive and manufacturing industries.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process discovered by Charles Goodyear involving the addition of sulfur to heated rubber is known as vulcanization. This process was first patented by Thomas Hancock in Britain, but Goodyear obtained the US patent a few weeks later. The term vulcanization was coined by William Brockedon and is derived from Vulcan, the Roman god of fire. The groundbreaking chemical process of vulcanization transforms natural rubber into more durable material by forming cross-links between polymer chains with the use of sulfur.

These cross-links increase the rigidity, durability, and alter the mechanical and electronic properties of the material, making it viable for products such as tires, shoe soles, hoses, and conveyor belts.

Vulcanized rubber plays a crucial role in industries, particularly in the manufacturing of tires. In the 19th century, John Boyd Dunlop utilized vulcanized rubber to create the first practical pressurized air-filled pneumatic tire, leading to a significant advancement in transportation.

Furthermore, synthetic rubbers like styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) were developed from petrochemicals, which now constitute a large part of car tires. The advent of vulcanization and synthetic rubbers like SBR have been fundamental in enhancing the performance and lifespan of tires, subsequently impacting various forms of transportation and machinery.