在高分子化学中，硫化（Vulcanization）指的是橡胶胶料通过生胶分子间交联，生成具有三维网络结构的硫化胶的过程。

含有双键的弹性体在工业上多采用硫或有机硫化合物来进行硫化交联，因此在橡胶工业中，“硫化”与“交联”是同义词。交联的目的是为了使胶料具备高强度、高弹性、高耐磨、抗腐蚀等优良性能，消除永久形变，使橡胶在变形之后，能迅速并完全地恢复原状。因为最早发现的交联剂是硫磺，故得名“硫化”。

一般需经过硫化的橡胶品种有丁二烯、氯丁二烯、异戊二烯的1,4-聚合物——顺丁、异戊、氯丁橡胶，以及共聚物丁苯、丁基和丁腈橡胶等。

Vulcanization or vulcanisation is a chemical process for converting natural rubber or related polymers into more durable materials via the addition of sulfur or other equivalent curatives or accelerators. These additives modify the polymer by forming cross-links (bridges) between individual polymer chains. Vulcanized materials are less sticky and have superior mechanical properties. The term vulcanized fibre refers to cellulose that has been treated in a zinc chloride solution to cross-link the cellulose fibers.