When a rubber compound is vulcanized, its properties change, and the vulcanization characteristics can be discovered by observing how the qualities vary with temperature and time. The tools known as curemeters are used to apply cyclic stress or strain to a test piece and measure the resulting strain or force in order to identify the features of vulcanization. The test is typically conducted at a predetermined constant temperature, with the stiffness measurement being continually recorded as a function of time.

The rubber becomes more rigid as the vulcanization process continues. When the observed stiffness reaches a plateau or a maximum and then starts to fall, vulcanization is complete. The loss of stiffness in the latter instance is brought on by reversion. When the observed stiffness keeps increasing (marching-modulus cure), vulcanization is regarded as complete after a certain time.

NextGen’s Oscillating / Automatic Disc Rheometer (ODR) complies with ISO 6502 standard.

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