Question

Which scientist name is associated with discovery of vulcanization?

• A. A.J. Heeger
• B. W.H. Carothers
• C. C. Goodyear
• D. MacDiarmid

Hint:

Vulcanization involves sulfur cross-linking, which greatly enhances the mechanical properties of natural rubber.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding vulcanization.
Vulcanization is a chemical process used to improve the properties of natural rubber by heating it with sulfur. This process increases elasticity, strength, durability, and resistance to temperature changes, making rubber suitable for industrial and commercial use.
Step 2: Historical background.
The discovery of vulcanization was made accidentally in 1839 by Charles Goodyear. He observed that rubber mixed with sulfur and heated became tougher and more elastic instead of sticky and brittle. This discovery revolutionized the rubber industry.
Step 3: Analysis of options.
(A) A.J. Heeger: Known for conducting polymers, not vulcanization.
(B) W.H. Carothers: Known for nylon and polymer research, not vulcanization.
(C) C. Goodyear: Correct — He discovered the vulcanization process of rubber.
(D) MacDiarmid: Known for conductive polymers, not rubber vulcanization.
Step 4: Conclusion.
The scientist associated with the discovery of vulcanization is Charles Goodyear, making option (C) the correct answer.

Answer 2

Each name listed is tied to a distinct, well-documented contribution to polymer science; matching the specific discovery of vulcanization to the right name is straightforward once each contribution is separated out.

1. A.J. Heeger: Heeger is known for discovering and developing electrically conductive polymers, work that later earned a Nobel Prize, entirely unrelated to natural rubber processing.
2. W.H. Carothers: Carothers led the research that produced nylon and neoprene through condensation polymerization, a synthetic-fibre and synthetic-rubber breakthrough, but not the vulcanization of natural rubber.
3. C. Goodyear: Charles Goodyear accidentally discovered, in 1839, that heating natural rubber together with sulfur transforms it from a sticky, temperature-sensitive material into a tough, elastic one resistant to heat and cold. This specific discovery is what is called vulcanization, and it made rubber commercially usable.
4. MacDiarmid: MacDiarmid, along with Heeger, is associated with conductive polymer research, again unrelated to the sulfur-curing of natural rubber.

Since only Goodyear's discovery involves heating rubber with sulfur to improve its properties, which is the very definition of vulcanization, he is the correct answer.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. Goodyear.