Chemistry - Polymer Question with Solution | TestHub

Natural rubber becomes soft at high temperatures and brittle at low temperatures. It also shows high water absorption capacity, is soluble in non-polar solvents, and has low tensile strength.

To improve these physical properties, vulcanization is carried out by heating a mixture of raw rubber with sulfur and an appropriate additive. This process introduces sulfur cross-links between the polymer chains.

As a result of vulcanization, the rubber becomes more elastic, less plastic, insoluble in organic solvents, and its tensile strength is significantly improved.

Answer: Tensile strength