Charles Goodyear made vulcanized rubber. He developed the process in the 1830s and patented it in 1844.

Quick scoop

Vulcanization is the process of heating rubber with sulfur so it becomes stronger, more durable, and less sticky in heat or brittle in cold. Goodyear’s work is what made rubber practical for many everyday uses, including tires and waterproof goods.

Small note

Thomas Hancock also patented a vulcanization method in Britain in 1843, but Charles Goodyear is the person most commonly credited with inventing vulcanized rubber.

TL;DR: Charles Goodyear.