Vulcanisation
Vulcanization is a process of treating raw rubber or plastic with heat and sulfur or other chemicals to strengthen and stabilize the material. During vulcanization, the polymers in the material are linked together, making it stronger, more durable and resistant to changes in temperature and chemical influences. This process was discovered by Charles Goodyear in 1839 and has been an important method for the production of rubber products such as tires, hoses and seals ever since.