Basic properties of some sulphur-bound composite materials

Abstract

Sulphur can be used as a cementing agent to produce composite materials with potential insulating and/or constructional applications. Six basic engineering properties of ten sulphur-cemented composites have been determined and compared with those of raw sulphur. The method of determining the properties is indicated and the different factors which affect the various properties are discussed with reference to the values obtained for the eleven materials. The properties determined were density, compressive strength, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, coefficient of thermal expansion and coefficient of thermal conductivity. With knowledge of these basic properties of the different sulphur composites, it becomes feasible to predict some possible applications of the composite materials. Some of the materials apparently require considerable temperature change to cause failure when completely restrained, and it is suggested that sulphur-soil composites could be considered as thermally insulating base or sub-base courses in pavement construction.