Question

What is true regarding vulcanization of rubber?

• A. Rubber molecules are joined through $S-S$ linkage at the ends
• B. Rubber molecules are linked through $S-S$ linkage at the various parts of polymer backbone
• C. Vulcanization makes rubber perfectly crystalline
• D. Vulcanization converts rubber into a thermosetting polymer

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Vulcanization is a process of heating natural rubber with sulphur. This brings about linking of polymer chains at various points of backbone through $S-S$ linkage. This provides strength to the rubber.