1001 Space Earth Nature History Human World Science and Technology Chemistry Materials Force and Energy Heat and Light Electricity and Magnetism Industry Machines Electronics and Computers Cars and Trucks Railways Ships Aircraft Fishing and Agriculture Undersea Exploration

Are tyres made from natural rubber? Natural rubber is soft and elastic. It quickly wears out if used to make tyres. For the rubber to be strong enough, it has to be vulcanised. Vulcanisation is a chemical process in which sulphur compounds are added to change the molecular structure of rubber to make it tougher and harder. Most rubber is now made artificially by the plastics industry, but it still has to be vulcanised to make tyres. Most rubber is now made artificially by the plastics industry   Previous: Back Book: 1001 Section: Science and Technology Chapter: Chemistry