Residues from The Mishraq Sulfur Mine and The Nano_Sulfur Derived from Them as Modifiers for The Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Iraqi Asphalt

Abstract

This study included the modification of asphalt using sulfur waste (foam) resulting from the purification of sulfur from the Al-Mishraq field through a chemical oxidation method. In addition, it utilized nano sulfur prepared from these wastes in the modification of asphalt. The study initiated with a comprehensive analysis of foam composition and employed various diagnostic techniques. It then proceeded to prepare calcium polysulfide, sodium polysulfide and potassium polysulfide from the foam, followed by the preparation of nano_sulfur from these salts. The sulfur's nano-sized particles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to determine sulfur content, and the particle size range was (83.40nm), (45.13nm) and (38.51nm). The prepared nano-sulfur was used to modify the properties of Iraqi asphalt. The original and modified asphalt's rheological properties were determined by measuring properties such as Ductility, softening point, penetration, penetration index, Marshall stability, chemical immersion, and aging. The modified asphalt showed rheological properties that qualified it for use in paving operations, especially in terms of resistance to acid rain and stability.