General Science • ChemistryHard
What is the primary role of sulfur added during the vulcanization process of natural rubber invented by Charles Goodyear?
A. To act as a solvent that dissolves unreacted monomer impurities
B. To form cross-links between polymer chains, improving elasticity and tensile strength✓ Correct Answer
C. To bleach the natural yellow rubber into a pure white commercial product
D. To accelerate the complete thermal degradation of rubber into liquid hydrocarbons
💡 Solution & Explanation
Vulcanization involves heating natural raw rubber with sulfur, which creates cross-links between neighboring polyisoprene polymer chains, dramatically enhancing elasticity, durability, and resistance to temperature fluctuations and swelling. Unvulcanized natural rubber becomes sticky when hot and brittle when cold. Charles Goodyear patented this transformative chemical process in 1844.
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