Polymer architecture via abstraction of a hydrogen, can create a mid-chain growth site. Branching can be quantified by the branching index. An effect related to branching is chemical crosslinking - the formation of covalent bonds between chains. Crosslinking tends to increase T and increase strength and toughness. Among other applications, this process is used to strengthen rubbers in a process known as vulcanization, which is based on crosslinking by sulfur. Car tires, for example, are highly crosslinked in order to reduce the leaking of air out of the tire and to toughen their durability. Eraser rubber, on the other hand, is not
Texas Gulf Sulfur Company Texas Gulf Sulfur Company The Texas Gulf Sulphur Company was one of the largest sulfur mining companies in the world from 1919 to 1981. The Gulf Sulphur Company was formed on December 23, 1909 by a group of investors from St. Louis and Texas. The company was formed to exploit the newly discovered sulfur deposit in the Big Hill salt dome near Matagorda, Texas, using the Frasch Process. In 1916 Bernard Baruch and J.P. Morgan took control of the company and Seeley W. Mudd became President. On 16 July 1918, the company was renamed the Texas Gulf Sulphur Company. Construction