vulcanization

Cultural  

1. An industrial process that strengthens natural rubber. Because it requires great heat, the process was named after the Roman god of fire, Vulcan.

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Explanation

The process of treating rubber so it can be used to make things like car tires is vulcanization. Before vulcanization, rubber is soft and pliable. After this treatment, it becomes strong and hard. The origin of the word vulcanization provides a clue about its meaning: it comes from Vulcan, the Roman god of fire. It won't surprise you to learn that the process of vulcanization involves extreme heat, in addition to the application of chemicals (usually sulphur). The technique was invented by Charles Goodyear, whose contributions were honored 40 years after his death, when the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company was named after him.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

vulcanization

One discovered vulcanization and transformed rubber into a consumer product.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 3, 2026

Charles Goodyear discovered vulcanization when a mixture of natural rubber and sulphur accidentally fell onto a hot surface.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 14, 2026

The Akron Beacon Journal reports the portrait of the man who discovered rubber vulcanization was recently unveiled by the University of Akron’s Archival Services of University Libraries.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 7, 2019

In 1850, Charles Goodyear created the vulcanization of rubber, which led to bouncier tennis balls and the growth of lawn tennis, which became the modern game.

From New York Times ● Sep. 3, 2016

A few years after his death an effort was made to procure from Congress a further seven years' extension of his patent for vulcanization, for the benefit of his family and his creditors.

From Great Fortunes, and How They Were Made by McCabe, James Dabney