Preparation and Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Novel Sulfur Polymer Composite

Sulfur is recovered during the refining of crude oil, and through the purification of natural gas. Extremely large supplies of crude sulfur have encouraged search for new applications of this interesting substance to avoid disposal crises. One potential new market is the production of sulfur polymer composite (SPC). Sulfur polymer composite (SPC), also called modified sulfur composite, is a thermoplastic material that were prepared by direct mixing of molten sulfur with three different modifiers (Styrene, Methyl Styrene and Dicyclopentadiene) at 140°C. Modification of the sulfur has been found to be essential in order to control sulfur crystallization which results in embrittlement and lack of resistance to thermal shock of sulfur composite. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that polymerization of the modifiers and sulfur has been occurred and sulfur as a cyclooctasulfane crown turned to polysulfide chains. The comparison of compressive and flexural strengths showed that brittle fracture of elemental sulfur changed to ductile behavior in modified sulfur. In order to increase mechanical properties, Micro and Nano silica particles were incorporated into modified sulfur and a novel sulfur polymer composite (SPC) has been manufactured. To have clear picture about morphological events, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were performed. The results indicated that in the manufactured sulfur polymer composite modifier controls the crystallization of sulfur, so transformation of monoclinic (S) to orthorhombic (S) were limited and mechanical properties have been improved. The main objective of this study is to use low cost sulfur as a protective polymer coating with quick setting, high mechanical strength and high resistance to many corrosive environments

Keywords:

Sulfur , Sulfur Polymer Composite , Silica , Modification , Styrene (St) , Methyl Styrene (MSt) , Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD)