Chemical crosslinking of high-molar-mass linear or branched polymers to give a polymer network.
Notes: - The @P04742@ formed often displays rubber-like elasticity. However, a high concentration of crosslinks can lead to rigid materials.
- A classic example of vulcanization is the @CT07136@ of cis-polyisoprene through sulfide bridges in the thermal treatment of natural rubber with sulfur or a sulfur-containing compound.
Source:
PAC, 2007, 79, 1801. 'Definitions of terms relating to the structure and processing of sols, gels, networks, and inorganic-organic hybrid materials (IUPAC Recommendations 2007)' on page 1826 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac200779101801)