Discuss the main
purpose of vulcanisation of rubber.
Discuss the main purpose of vulcanisation of rubber.
Natural rubber though
useful has some problems associated with its use. These limitations
are discussed below:
1. Natural rubber is quite soft and sticky at room
temperature. At elevated temperatures (> 335 K), it becomes even
softer. At low temperatures (< 283 K), it becomes brittle. Thus,
to maintain its elasticity, natural rubber is generally used in the
temperature range of 283 K-335 K.
2. It has the
capacity to absorb large amounts of water.
3. It has low
tensile strength and low resistance to abrasion.
4. It is soluble
in non-polar solvents.
5. It is easily
attacked by oxidizing agents.
Vulcanization of
natural rubber is done to improve upon all these properties. In this
process, a mixture of raw rubber with sulphur and appropriate
additive is heated at a temperature range between 373 K and 415 K.
Natural rubber though useful has some problems associated with its use. These limitations are discussed below:
1. Natural rubber is quite soft and sticky at room temperature. At elevated temperatures (> 335 K), it becomes even softer. At low temperatures (< 283 K), it becomes brittle. Thus, to maintain its elasticity, natural rubber is generally used in the temperature range of 283 K-335 K.
2. It has the capacity to absorb large amounts of water.
3. It has low tensile strength and low resistance to abrasion.
4. It is soluble in non-polar solvents.
5. It is easily attacked by oxidizing agents.
Vulcanization of natural rubber is done to improve upon all these properties. In this process, a mixture of raw rubber with sulphur and appropriate additive is heated at a temperature range between 373 K and 415 K.
