Term: vulcanization
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.VT07153

Definition:
Chemical crosslinking of high-molar-mass linear or branched polymers to give a polymer network.

Notes:
0) The @P04742@ formed often displays rubber-like elasticity. However, a high concentration of crosslinks can lead to rigid materials.
1) A classic example of vulcanization is the @CT07136@ of cis-polyisoprene through sulfide bridges in the thermal treatment of natural rubber with sulfur or a sulfur-containing compound.

Related Terms:
1) polymer network (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04742).
2) crosslinking (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.CT07136).

Source: PAC, 2007, 79, 1801. 'Definitions of terms relating to the structure and processing of sols, gels, networks, and inorganic-organic hybrid materials (IUPAC Recommendations 2007)' on page 1826 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac200779101801)

Citation: 'vulcanization' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.VT07153

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