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At what temperatures is modern rubber vulcanization commonly carried out?
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Truck tires being removed from their molds.
In modern industrial practice, the vulcanization of rubber is typically carried out at temperatures ranging from 140°C to 180°C.1
While a standard curing process often involves temperatures around 160°C (320°F) for several minutes, specific conditions can vary based on the thickness of the material. Because heat penetrates rubber slowly, thicker items require longer curing times at lower temperatures to ensure the interlinking reaction occurs throughout the compound. These processes are generally performed in pressurized steel molds, though alternative methods such as steam heating, microwave irradiation, or heated baths may be used depending on the application.2