vulcanization

noun

vul·​ca·​ni·​za·​tion ˌvəl-kə-nə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce vulcanization (audio)
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
vulcanization, the chemical process that converts natural rubber and polymers into durable materials …Amanda Garrett
[Chemist Charles] Goodyear named his process vulcanization, after Vulcan, the ancient Roman god of fire.Charles Osgood

Examples of vulcanization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But during the vulcanization process, these strings transform into a rugged net. Quanta Magazine, 28 Nov. 2023 That liquid will harden and undergo vulcanization. Marc Bona, cleveland, 18 Aug. 2020 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 These include the concept of zero, the vulcanization of rubber, a sophisticated language and writing system, and advanced knowledge of astronomy, architecture, art and medicine. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 14 Jan. 2022 The name Charles Goodyear is synonymous with vulcanization — the hardening of rubber. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 10 Oct. 2022 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 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 It is made using a vulcanization process in which Super-LumiNova is melted directly inside the rubber inlay of the strap so that it is blended directly into the material. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vulcanization was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near vulcanization

Cite this Entry

“Vulcanization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vulcanization. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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