vulcanization
noun
vul·ca·ni·za·tion
ˌvəl-kə-nə-ˈzā-shən 
plural vulcanizations
: the process of chemically treating a natural or synthetic polymer and especially rubber to give it useful properties (such as elasticity, strength, and stability)
During vulcanization, sulfur is added to rubber and the mixture is heated under pressure to form sulfur cross-links between the rubber's polymer chains. The cross-links increase the strength, stability, and elasticity of the rubber.—
Steve Ritter
Steve Ritter… vulcanization, the chemical process that converts natural rubber and polymers into durable materials …—Amanda Garrett
Amanda Garrett[Chemist Charles] Goodyear named his process vulcanization, after Vulcan, the ancient Roman god of fire.—Charles Osgood
Charles OsgoodExamples of vulcanization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Pieces were cut out, stitched together, reinforced with padding and leather trim and then subjected to the vulcanization process involving heat of 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2025
But during the vulcanization process, these strings transform into a rugged net.
—Quanta Magazine, 28 Nov. 2023
The two-part carcass mold covers the winding layer and goes through its own vulcanization run of 150 to 160 degrees Celsius for about eight minutes.
—Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 10 Nov. 2022
The name Charles Goodyear is synonymous with vulcanization — the hardening of rubber.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 10 Oct. 2022
The Aztecs knew this scrubby desert plant was a source of natural latex, but since the discovery of vulcanization in 1839, rubber production has been primarily centered around the more tropical rubber tree (hevea).
—Dan Edmunds, Car and Driver, 9 Oct. 2022
The mold is sealed, and the latex inside is expanded to completely fill the entire mold before being placed into a vulcanization oven, washed and dried.
—Grace Wu, Good Housekeeping, 7 July 2022
That liquid will harden and undergo vulcanization.
—Marc Bona, cleveland, 18 Aug. 2020
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Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2025
But during the vulcanization process, these strings transform into a rugged net.
—Quanta Magazine, 28 Nov. 2023
The two-part carcass mold covers the winding layer and goes through its own vulcanization run of 150 to 160 degrees Celsius for about eight minutes.
—Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 10 Nov. 2022
The name Charles Goodyear is synonymous with vulcanization — the hardening of rubber.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 10 Oct. 2022
The Aztecs knew this scrubby desert plant was a source of natural latex, but since the discovery of vulcanization in 1839, rubber production has been primarily centered around the more tropical rubber tree (hevea).
—Dan Edmunds, Car and Driver, 9 Oct. 2022
The mold is sealed, and the latex inside is expanded to completely fill the entire mold before being placed into a vulcanization oven, washed and dried.
—Grace Wu, Good Housekeeping, 7 July 2022
That liquid will harden and undergo vulcanization.
—Marc Bona, cleveland, 18 Aug. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Vulcanization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vulcanization. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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