Charles Goodyear

Charles Goodyear was an American inventor known for discovering vulcanization, a process that strengthens and makes rubber more durable, flexible, and resistant to temperature changes. In 1839, he found that heating rubber with sulfur improved its properties significantly. This breakthrough revolutionized the use of rubber in countless industries, including tires, footwear, and industrial products. Though he faced many challenges and financial struggles, his invention laid the foundation for the modern rubber industry, earning him recognition as a pivotal figure in materials science.