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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Example Sentences

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

In the vulcanization area, which was pleasantly warm, I watched as measured quantities of this paste were spewed mechanically into dozens of stainless-steel, foot-shaped molds.

From The New Yorker • Mar. 16, 2015

This came to be known as the "vulcanization" of India-rubber.

From The Junior Classics — Volume 7 Stories of Courage and Heroism by Patten, William