Charles Goodyear (vulcanization)

Charles Goodyear was an American inventor who discovered the process of vulcanization, which involves heating rubber with sulfur to improve its durability and elasticity. Before his work, natural rubber was sticky, easily damaged by heat and cold, and unsuitable for many uses. His vulcanization process made rubber tougher, more stable, and resistant to temperature changes, enabling its widespread use in products like tires, footwear, and industrial materials. This breakthrough revolutionized industries, providing reliable and resilient rubber objects that significantly improved everyday life and technology.