Rubber is a versatile material that is used in a variety of different products. Medical devices, piping seals, car tires, pacifiers, and even surgical gloves are all composed of rubber. There are a variety of types of rubber, including vulcanized rubber. You may wonder, what is vulcanized rubber? 

What Is Vulcanized Rubber?

Below you will find more information about vulcanized rubber and why it’s so important. 

The Vulcanization Process

The vulcanization process is a chemical process where rubber is heated with sulfur at between 140 and 160 degrees Celsius. The process involves the formation of cross-links between rubber molecules. It improves the elasticity of rubber, in addition to its resilience, strength, hardness, and weather resistance.

The process was discovered by Charles Goodyear in 1839. Charles Goodyear was an inventor in the United States. He invented the vulcanization process, which made the commercial use of rubber possible. Charles Goodyear became interested in creating a method of treating India rubber. India rubber is the name for natural rubber that comes from the sap of certain trees. India rubber is naturally adhesive, as most sap is, so it sticks to everything. However, Charles Goodyear attempted to treat India rubber so it not only lost its adhesiveness, but also become susceptible to extreme temperatures. 

After some failed attempts at other inventions with rubber, including rubber mail bags made for the United States Post Office, Goodyear bought another inventor’s process related to rubber. The other inventor had discovered that rubber treated with sulfur made it lose its adhesive properties. After he purchased this invention, Goodyear dropped the mixture of rubber and sulfur on a hot stove by accident and ultimately discovered the process of vulcanization. The rest is history as it is an integral staple in people’s everyday lives.

The Significance of Vulcanized Rubber

Vulcanized rubber is much stronger than other types of rubber, including traditional rubber. Traditional rubber is not as strong and cannot withstand the same amount of pressure. The significance of vulcanized rubber is massive as it has completely transformed the manufacturing industry, in addition to the products made from vulcanized rubber. This is especially true when it comes to vulcanized seals as they have a variety of benefits.

Seals are an integral component in the manufacturing industry. This includes both the manufacturing process and the products manufactured. Manufacturing involves the passage of various oils and liquids through machines. Seals protect against leaks in order to maintain the integrity of the manufacturing process. Vulcanized seals are a type of gasket made of vulcanized rubber. A gasket is a mechanical seal that fills the space between two or more surfaces to prevent leaks. They essentially fill in irregularities or gaps between two surfaces. Vulcanized seals offer a variety of benefits as compared to other options.

• Durability and Strength: Vulcanized seals are much stronger and durable as compared to alternatives. In fact, research has shown that they can be up to ten times stronger than traditional rubber seals.
• Oxidation Resistant: Vulcanized rubber is much more resistant to corrosion, rust, and other damage from oxidation. This not only prevent leaks. But also means that your gaskets will prove long-lasting if they ended up made from vulcanized rubber.
• Solvent Resistant: Vulcanized seals are also resistant to solvents. Solvents can degrade regular seals and cause leaks and other damage.  

Real Seal Specialty Seals Manufacturer

If you need vulcanized seals or any other type of specialty seals, contact the team at Real Seal. Real Seal specialty seals manufacturer has a wide variety of products that can ensure your seal needs are met. Check out their website today for more information!