Goodyear, Charles
Published: September 7, 2006, 12:33 am
Updated: September 7, 2006, 12:33 am
This article has been reviewed by the following Topic Editor:
Tom Lawrence
Charles Goodyear (1800-1860), American inventor who developed vulcanization, a process that strengthened rubber, allowing the material to be applied to a vast array of industrial uses, especially in automobile tires. Natural rubber products were waterproof, but they melted in hot weather, froze and cracked in the cold, and adhered to many substances—attributes that limited its usefulness to industry and consumers. In 1836, Goodyear found that the application of aqua fortis, or nitric acid, produced a much more useful and desirable form of rubber. The famous vulcanizing process, developed by Goodyear in 1844, revolutionized the rubber industry, but Goodyear was unable to profit financially from his discovery. His numerous patents were constantly infringed, and although he was able to establish his rights legally, he died a poor man.
Further Reading
Inventor Profile: Charles Goodyear (National Inventors Hall of Fame)
History of Goodyear (Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company)
The Charles Goodyear Story (Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company)
Are you absolutely sure you want to delete this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Yes, Delete This Article
Are you absolutely sure you want to remove this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Yes, Remove This Article
Citation
Cutler J. Cleveland (Lead Author);Tom Lawrence (Topic Editor) "Goodyear, Charles". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth September 7, 2006; Last revised Date September 7, 2006; Retrieved May 23, 2013 <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Goodyear,_Charles>
The Author
Cutler J. Cleveland is Professor of Earth and Environment at Boston University, where he also is on the faculty of the Center for Energy and Environmental Studies. Professor Cleveland is Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Energy (Elsevier, 2004), winner of an American Library Association award, the Dictionary of Energy (Elsevier, 2005), Handbook of Energy (Elsevier, forthcoming), and is the Founding Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Earth. He is the recipient of the Adelma ... (Full Bio)
Charles Goodyear (1800-1860), American inventor who developed vulcanization, a process that strengthened rubber, allowing the material to be applied to a vast array of industrial uses, especially in automobile tires. Natural rubber products were waterproof, but they melted in hot weather, froze and cracked in the cold, and adhered to many substances—attributes that limited its usefulness to industry and consumers. In 1836, Goodyear found that the application of aqua fortis, or nitric acid, produced a much more useful and desirable form of rubber. The famous vulcanizing process, developed by Goodyear in 1844, revolutionized the rubber industry, but Goodyear was unable to profit financially from his discovery. His numerous patents were constantly infringed, and although he was able to establish his rights legally, he died a poor man.
Further Reading
Inventor Profile: Charles Goodyear (National Inventors Hall of Fame)
History of Goodyear (Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company)
The Charles Goodyear Story (Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company)
Are you absolutely sure you want to delete this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Yes, Delete This Article
Are you absolutely sure you want to remove this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Yes, Remove This Article
Site Options
0 Comments
Add Comment