Accelerators are chemical additives used in the rubber industry to speed up the vulcanization process, which is the curing of rubber with sulfur or other agents to enhance its elasticity, strength, and durability. These compounds reduce the time and energy required for vulcanization by promoting faster crosslinking between polymer chains. Common types of accelerators include thiazoles, sulfenamides, and guanidines, each providing different curing speeds and final rubber properties. Proper selection of accelerators ensures optimal performance, balancing processing efficiency with the desired mechanical and chemical characteristics of the rubber product.