Flexible sulfur film from inverse vulcanization technique

Abstract

Flexible, freestanding polysulfide films with high sulfur content (50–90% sulfur) were prepared via inverse vulcanization technique by reacting sulfur and diallyl disulfide; a naturally occurring diene. The prepared films are partially transparent depending on the amount of sulfur loading. SEM images showed a smooth and uniform surface of the film. XRD and DSC results confirmed the conversion of crystalline sulfur into an amorphous co-polymer. Low Young modulus and high tensile extension at break confirmed the flexible and elastic nature of the films. The flexibility of the films could be due to the presence of freely rotating low aliphatic carbon chains, which leads to low glass transition temperature (Tg=−13°C to −4°C) of these films.