Historical Timeline: Trace rubber’s journey from Amazonian indigenous use (latex collection) to Charles Goodyear’s 1839 vulcanization breakthrough, enabling industrial applications.
Key Innovations: Explain how vulcanization (sulfur cross-linking) transformed rubber from a brittle material to a durable elastomer, revolutionizing sectors like transportation and machinery.
Industry Impact: Highlight rubber’s role in the Industrial Revolution (e.g., steam engine seals, early bicycle tires) and its strategic importance in wars.
