In basic terms vulcanisation is the mixing of rubber with sulphur and then “cooking” it, stabilizing it and making it stronger. It was discovered by Charles Goodyear in 1839 and today we know that the reason these changes occur is that sulphur creates “crosslinks” between rubber molecules, producing a microstructure making rubber more resistant.

Through vulcanization:

1. Rubber compound’s strength is increased
2. All tyre components are “welded” onto each other
3. Tread pattern and sidewall graphics are “engraved” on the tyre

Vulcanisation is an essential part of the tyre building process and brings all of the “ingredients” of a tyre together into the form we recognise today.