Ebonite is

Options

A. Natural rubber
B. Synthetic rubber
C. Highly vulcanised rubber
D. Poly propene

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Definition of Ebonite**: Ebonite is a type of hard rubber that is produced by the vulcanization of natural rubber.

2. **Composition**: Ebonite consists of 25% to 80% sulfur. The exact percentage of sulfur used can affect the properties of the final product.

3. **Vulcanization Process**: The process of converting natural rubber into ebonite involves the addition of sulfur to the rubber. This process is known as vulcanization.

4. **Temperature and Sulfur Percentage**: The temperature at which vulcanization occurs and the percentage of sulfur added are critical factors that determine the technical properties of the resulting hard rubber.

5. **Chemical Reaction**: During vulcanization, sulfur reacts with the double bonds in the natural rubber, leading to the formation of a highly cross-linked structure. This reaction involves the formation of an intermolecular ring structure.

6. **Properties of Ebonite**: The addition of sulfur (up to 40%) enhances the properties of the rubber, making it resistant to swelling and reducing dielectric loss.

7. **Conclusion**: Therefore, ebonite can be defined as a highly vulcanized rubber, which is characterized by its hardness and durability.

**Final Answer**: Ebonite is a highly vulcanized rubber.

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