|
|
|
|
 |
|
paintballimpact.com / Bunkers / Vulcanization
Vulcanization -Inflatable Bunkers
Vulcanization is a special process used to make inflatable bunkers such as the Horseshoe and the Cross. The process of vulcanization is the curing a router where a series of chemical reactions link polymer molecules together to create the materials used in paintball bunkers. Though a repeated process, the polymer compounds made from the vulcanization process make a very strong rubber that has many ideal properties. The polymer used for making paintball inflatable bunkers is a very strong rubber with a smooth surface, and it is extremely durable and resistant to ripping. The vulcanization process is named after Vulcan, the Roman God of Fire. This process is aptly named because the strong rubber end product is resistant to fire, and it is resistant to breaking down due to the weather elements (rain, snow).
The initial products used before the Vulcanization process begins includes natural rubber. Natural rubber comes from the sap of trees in its purest form. The most common source of rubber for latex products and paintball inflatables is the Para Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Without the vulcanization process, the natural rubber loosens up and comes apart in a stringy mess. The natural rubber breaks down when they are oxidized when coming in contact with 02 from the air. Other compounds in the rubber that break down include proteins in the proper. If the rubber is vulcanized, it can maintain some of its elastic properties but will also become very durable and resistant to breaking down. The more complete the rubber vulcanized, the more resistant it will be from breaking down. Products that have been properly vulcanized will be very resistant to the oxidization process.
Once natural rubber has gone through the Vulcanization process, it is very resistant to heat changes and melting. The process is performed when peroxide or sulfur based compounds are added to the natural rubber. During the process, the sulfur or peroxide attach to sites on the rubber known as cones. During the process, many sulfur atoms connect on to many cure sites. The sulfur on each site and grows into a sulfur chain. The sulfur chain grows until it reaches the end of another sulfur chain. Millions of chains form this way. While many polymers have chains that are hundreds or thousands of electrons long, vulcanization chains are usually less than 20. Rubber polymers with two to four sulfur electron chains, the end product can withstand high temperatures. 5 to 8 sulfur link chains are less heat resistant but have excellent dynamic properties.
The Vulcanization process is used to create inflatable bunkers like the cone and the Car Wash. Players never know what they are going to get out of the car wash, as its hanging strips may let the paintballs through or save your life.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Paintball Guns 
