What is one method used to cure rubber?

One method used to cure rubber is a chemical cure. This process involves the use of curing agents or accelerators that facilitate the crosslinking of polymer chains in rubber, making it more durable and heat-resistant. In chemical curing, specific additives are mixed into the rubber compound that react during the curing process, typically under elevated temperatures. This method is widely utilized in the rubber industry due to its effectiveness in improving the mechanical properties of the final rubber product.

The chemical curing process can produce various qualities of rubber, depending on the formulation of the curing agents and the conditions under which curing occurs. This method is particularly common in the production of tires, seals, and gaskets, among other applications where enhanced performance characteristics are essential.

While there are other curing methods, such as dry heat curing, which utilizes high temperatures to promote crosslinking without the need for chemical agents, or concepts like sub-zero and electrical curing, these are not recognized as standard methods for rubber curing in the same way as chemical or dry heat cures.