General Science • ChemistryMedium
What is the primary function of sulfur in the vulcanization of natural rubber?
A. To act as a solvent that dissolves the polymer chains
B. To form cross-links between polyisoprene chains, improving elasticity and strength✓ Correct Answer
C. To accelerate the natural degradation of rubber products
D. To impart permanent white color to the rubber compound
💡 Solution & Explanation
Vulcanization involves heating natural rubber with sulfur, which creates cross-links between adjacent polyisoprene polymer chains. This chemical modification significantly enhances tensile strength, elasticity, and resistance to temperature fluctuations. Without cross-linking, natural rubber becomes sticky when warm and brittle when cold. Charles Goodyear discovered this transformative industrial process in the nineteenth century.
More General Science Chemistry questions
- Which noble gas is most abundant by volume in dry atmospheric air?
- Which catalyst is used in the industrial preparation of ammonia by the Haber process?
- Which of the following gases is liberated when dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with active metals like zinc?
- Which of the following elements is most abundant in the Earth's crust by mass?
- Which acid is present in lemon and citrus fruits?