Final answer:
Charles Goodyear invented the vulcanization process to make rubber temperature resistant, which Thomas Hancock also patented. Vulcanization improves rubber's durability and has been vital in creating various rubber products.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process for making rubber temperature resistant is known as vulcanization, a significant advancement in the field of materials engineering. The process was invented by Charles Goodyear, with Thomas Hancock receiving a British patent shortly before Goodyear's patent in the United States. Vulcanization incorporates sulfur into the rubber, creating cross-links that enhance the material's durability, elasticity, and temperature resistance. This invention has been crucial in the production of a variety of rubber products, including automotive tires and industrial hoses.