Full definition
The standard industrial process for cross-linking rubber compounds using heat (140-180°C) and pressure (50-200 bar for compression molding, 5-15 bar for belt vulcanization) applied in a press, autoclave, rotocure (continuous), or steam vulcanizer. The combination of heat and curing agents (sulfur + accelerators, or peroxide) creates chemical cross-links between polymer chains, transforming soft, plastic raw rubber into an elastic, durable material with defined mechanical properties. Cure parameters: temperature, time, and pressure are optimized using rheometer (MDR) cure curves — t90 (90% cure) determines minimum vulcanization time. Typical cycles: compression molding 3-30 min at 150-180°C, conveyor belt splicing 20-45 min at 145-155°C, autoclave curing 30-90 min at 140-160°C. Hot vulcanization produces superior properties versus cold vulcanization (room-temperature adhesive cure): higher tensile and tear strength, better compression set, and stronger bonds. Per ISO 3417 (rheometer testing) and ASTM D5289. The process was invented by Charles Goodyear in 1839 and remains the foundation of the rubber industry.