Powdered Sulfur and the Rubber Industry: A History of Partnership

 

A Historical Perspective

Rubber, a durable material, has been used for various purposes throughout human history. However, the use of raw natural rubber was limited due to its drawbacks such as softening in heat and hardening in cold. Research to overcome this problem reached a significant turning point with the addition of sulfur to this natural polymer.

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In 1839, Charles Goodyear accidentally discovered the process now known as vulcanization by heating natural rubber with sulfur. This discovery revolutionized the production of automobile tires, shoe soles, and many other products by increasing the rubber's resistance to heat and cold.

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Powdered Sulfur and Vulcanization

Powdered sulfur is one of the most important components of the rubber industry. In the vulcanization process, powdered sulfur mixed with raw rubber causes the rubber molecules to bond together at high temperatures, resulting in a stronger, more flexible, and more durable material. Thanks to this, tires and rubbers become both durable and flexible.

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Areas of Use of Powdered Sulfur in the Rubber Sector

• Automobile Tires: It is one of the most important raw materials used in the production of automobile tires. It provides durability, flexibility, and wear resistance to the tire.

• Truck Tires: Powdered sulfur is also used in the tires of heavy-duty vehicles. This ensures that the tires have a longer life.

• Industrial Products: Powdered sulfur is used in many industrial products such as conveyor belts, hoses, sealing materials, and rubber coatings. It provides durability, flexibility, and chemical resistance to these products.

• Construction Materials: Rubber is used in the production of construction materials such as waterproofing materials, roof coverings, and floor coverings, and powdered sulfur is added to these products to make them more durable.

• Shoe Soles: It provides flexibility and durability to shoe soles.

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Benefits of Powdered Sulfur in Rubber

• Durability: Vulcanization significantly increases the durability of rubber.

• Flexibility: It provides flexibility to tires, ensuring a more comfortable ride.

• Wear Resistance: It ensures that tires have a longer life.

• Heat and Cold Resistance: It allows tires to maintain their performance at different temperatures.

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Conclusion

Powdered sulfur continues to be an indispensable component of the rubber-tire industry. Thanks to the vulcanization process, the properties of the raw material obtained from natural rubber are improved, playing a significant role in the production of many products we use in our daily lives.​

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