Polymeric Sulfur Research Articles

Investigating the Effect of UV Irradiation and TiO2 Addition on Heavy Metal Adsorption by Inverse Vulcanized Sulfur Polymers.

Organomercury contamination in wastewater is a longstanding global concern, prompting the establishment of the Mi-namata Convention in 2013, following the tragic Minamata Bay incident in Japan. Despite numerous proposed solutions, the development of an affordable and convenient adsorbent remains a challenge. Sulfur, being one of the most abundant elements globally, has shown promise in mercury adsorption in previous research. This study delves into the influence of light exposure on the process of mercury adsorption. Our findings reveal that exposure to UV-A wavelengths (315 nm - 400 nm), in combination with the addition of titanium dioxide (TiO2), enhances the adsorption capacity of a sulfur-rich polymer. The maximum observed adsorption capacity reached 47 mg/g under these conditions. Notably, the presence of TiO2 and UV exposure did not significantly impact the adsorption of inorganic mercury and gold.

Optimizing rice (Oryza sativa) growth, productivity, profitability and nutrient uptake with coated urea and organic manure in the new alluvial zone of West Bengal

A two-year field experiment was carried out at experimental farm of BCKV, Nadia, West Bengal during kharif seasons of 2019–20 and 2020–21 to study the effect of combined application of coated urea and organic manure on performance of rice. The experiment was laid-out in a randomized complete block design with four replications and treatment comprised 5 treatment combinations, such as T1 , control plot (without N); T2 , 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through neem-coated urea (NCU); T3 , 75% RDN through NCU + 25% RDN through FYM (farm yard manure); T4, 100% RDN through polymer sulphur coated urea (PSCU); T5, 75% RDN through PSCU+25% RDN through FYM. The results showed that 75% RDN through PSCU+25% RDN through FYM re- sulted in maximum growth attributes, viz. plant height (110.8 cm), maximum number of effective tillers per square meter (416/m2 ), highest dry-matter accumulation (DMA) (740 g/m2 ), leaf area index (LAI) (4.47) and crop growth rate (CGR) (6.56 g/m2 /day), highest yield components like panicle length (23.5 cm), panicle weight (9.95 g), num- ber of filled grains/panicle (113), test-weight (21.3 g) and maximum grain yield (4.79 t/ha) and straw yield (5.53 t/ ha). Similarly, maximum amount of total nutrient uptake by crop (99.7, 40.1 and 208 kg/ha NPK), protein yield (418 kg/ha), gross returns (` 71.8 × 103 /ha), net return (` 52 × 103 /ha) and B: C ratio (2.73) were noticed under T5 treat- ment. Therefore, it is advisable to implement a comprehensive nutrient management strategy T5 (75% RDN through PSCU + 25% RDN through FYM) in rice cultivation. This approach enhances growth, yield, nutrient absorption, and quality, ultimately boosting agricultural productivity, profitability, and sustainability.

Assessment of various polymeric sulphur as soft bitumen improver for pavement applications

ABSTRACT In this study, five polymeric sulphurs are utilised, including polymeric sulphur based on both aliphatic copolymers and styrene copolymers, namely PS1 to PS5 correlated to amorphous poly alpha olefins (APAO) PS1, olefin residues from MAC carpet company PS2, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) copolymer PS3, Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) copolymer PS4 and Dicyclopentadiene monomer (DCPD) PS5. The five polymeric sulphur compounds were mixed by 25wt% with soft bitumen penetration grade (80/100) to produce five sulphur-extended asphalt binders, namely SEA1, SEA2, SEA3, SEA4, and SEA5. The physical properties, including softening point, viscosity, and penetration, are examined to characterise the consistency of SEA binder. The dynamic mechanical behaviour such as complex modulus, temperature sweep, and stress relaxation test was investigated for SEA binder and compared with a reference soft bitumen (Blank) using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). It is concluded that polymeric sulphur based on styrene compounds SEA2 and SEA4 binders have the highest resistance against cracking of the pavement at low temperatures according to penetration index readings, and have the least permanent (plastic) deformation at high temperatures according to temperature sweep from DMA data. It is noticed that SEA5 binder has a negative effect on the performance of soft bitumen.

Low-Temperature Mixed Mode (I/II) Fracture Characterization of Polymerized Sulfur Modified AC Mixtures

In this study, asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures were modified with polymerized sulfur, using PG58-22 bitumen, and crushed siliceous aggregate. Modifications involved replacing the base binder with 20%, 30%, and 50% polymerized sulfur, compared to a control mix with no replacement. The mixtures were subjected to Single Edge Notched-Beam (SE(B)) fracture tests under mixed mode (I/II) conditions with notch offset value of 48 mm, with temperatures ranging from 0 °C to -20 °C. These tests, focusing on the mixtures' response to mixed mode loading, provided load-displacement curves, enabling the determination of fracture energy. Results indicated an increase in fracture energy for 20% and 30% sulfur-modified mixtures. However, a trend towards increased embrittlement was also observed, as fractures occurred at lower displacements. Significantly, higher sulfur content correlated with similar or decreased mixed-mode (I/II) fracture energy, suggesting an improved resistance to low-temperature cracking for lower replacement percentages.

UV-stable photoactive superhydrophobic coatings utilizing “inverse vulcanization” sulfur polymers

“Inverse vulcanization” sulfur polymers present an environmentally friendly approach for producing highly water repellent (superhydrophobic) materials. However, exposure to UV irradiation can lead to the degradation of these polymers into hydrophilic compounds, thereby compromising the long-term superhydrophobic properties of the coatings. In this study, 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2,4,6,8-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane (TVTSi) was employed to synthesize sulfur polymers (poly(S-TVTSi) capable of withstanding UV exposure while preserving the photocatalytic properties. Employing a central composite design, poly(S-TVTSi) was combined with inorganic nanoparticles (SiO2 and TiO2) to fabricate superhydrophobic coatings. A variation in the materials composition was used to investigate the influence on the properties of the coatings. Including polymer composition (sulfur:TVTSi ratio), roughness agent composition (TiO2:SiO2 ratio), concentration of nanoparticles (roughness agent), and relative amount of poly(S-TVTSi). The concentration of nanoparticles was identified as the main factor affecting the water contact angle (WCA), whereas all factors (above) generally influenced transmittance, photocatalysis, and UV stability. Using a tailored desirability function, this study demonstrated that a high-performing coating exhibited superior UV stability (up to 300 min) and superhydrophobicity (WCA > 150°). The study also identifies a number of coatings with robust superhydrophobicity, maintaining WCA > 150° across extreme pH and varying concentrations of aqueous NaCl. The coatings also displayed versatile photocatalytic activity against diverse organic contaminants of emerging concern in water bodies, such as caffeine and saccharin. The superhydrophobic coatings made with poly(S-TVTSi) surpass the limited UV stability of sulfur polymers. These materials demonstrate a combined long-term superhydrophobic and photocatalytic performance superior to those previously reported, they present a viable alternative polymer for the production of environmentally friendly and durable superhydrophobic materials.

Inverse Vulcanization of Activated Norbornenyl Esters – A Versatile Platform for Functional Sulfur Polymers

Elemental sulfur has shown to be a promising alternative feedstock for development of novel polymeric materials with high sulfur content. However, the utilization of inverse vulcanized polymers is restricted by the limitation of functional comonomers suitable for an inverse vulcanization. Control over properties and structure of inverse vulcanized polymers still poses a challenge to current research due to the dynamic nature of sulfur‐sulfur bonds and high temperature of inverse vulcanization reactions. In here, we report for the first time the inverse vulcanization of norbornenyl pentafluorophenyl ester (NB‐PFPE), allowing for post‐modification of inverse vulcanized polymers via amidation of reactive PFP esters to yield high sulfur content polymers under mild conditions. Amidation of the precursor material with three functional primary amines (α‐amino‐ω‐methoxy polyethylene glycol, aminopropyl trimethoxy silane, allylamine) was investigated. The resulting materials were applicable as sulfur containing poly(ethylene glycol) nanoparticles in aqueous environment. Cross‐linked mercury adsorbents, sulfur surface coatings, and high‐sulfur content networks with predictable thermal properties were achievable using aminopropyl trimethoxy silane and allylamine for post‐polymerization modification, respectively. With the broad range of different amines available and applicable for post‐polymerization modification, the versatility of poly(sulfur‐random‐NB‐PFPE) as a platform precursor polymer for novel specialized sulfur containing materials was showcased.

Inverse Vulcanization of Activated Norbornenyl Esters-A Versatile Platform for Functional Sulfur Polymers.

Elemental sulfur has shown to be a promising alternative feedstock for development of novel polymeric materials with high sulfur content. However, the utilization of inverse vulcanized polymers is restricted by the limitation of functional comonomers suitable for an inverse vulcanization. Control over properties and structure of inverse vulcanized polymers still poses a challenge to current research due to the dynamic nature of sulfur-sulfur bonds and high temperature of inverse vulcanization reactions. In here, we report for the first time the inverse vulcanization of norbornenyl pentafluorophenyl ester (NB-PFPE), allowing for post-modification of inverse vulcanized polymers via amidation of reactive PFP esters to yield high sulfur content polymers under mild conditions. Amidation of the precursor material with three functional primary amines (α-amino-ω-methoxy polyethylene glycol, aminopropyl trimethoxy silane, allylamine) was investigated. The resulting materials were applicable as sulfur containing poly(ethylene glycol) nanoparticles in aqueous environment. Cross-linked mercury adsorbents, sulfur surface coatings, and high-sulfur content networks with predictable thermal properties were achievable using aminopropyl trimethoxy silane and allylamine for post-polymerization modification, respectively. With the broad range of different amines available and applicable for post-polymerization modification, the versatility of poly(sulfur-random-NB-PFPE) as a platform precursor polymer for novel specialized sulfur containing materials was showcased.

Influence of Thermal and Chemical Stresses on Thermal Properties, Crystal Morphology, and Mechanical Strength Development of a Sulfur Polymer Composite

The unique properties and sustainability advantages of sulfur polymer cement have led to efforts to use them as alternatives to traditional Portland cement. The current study explores the impact of environmental stresses on the strength development of polymer composite SunBG90, a material composed of animal and plant fats/oils vulcanized with 90 wt. % sulfur. The environmental stresses investigated include low temperature (−25 °C), high temperature (40 °C), and submersion in water, hexanes, or aqueous solutions containing strong electrolyte, strong acid, or strong base. Samples were analyzed for the extent to which exposure to these stresses influenced the thermo-morphological properties and the compressional strength of the materials compared to identical materials allowed to develop strength at room temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed distinct thermos-morphological transitions in stressed samples and the notable formation of metastable γ-sulfur in hexane-exposed specimens. Powder X-ray diffraction confirmed that the crystalline domains identified by DSC were primarily γ-sulfur, with ~5% contribution of γ-sulfur in hexane-exposed samples. Compressive strength testing revealed high strength retention other than aging at elevated temperatures, which led to ~50% loss of strength. These findings reveal influences on the strength development of SunBG90, lending important insight into possible use as an alternative to OPC.

Porous sulfur polymers for effective aqueous-phase organic contaminant removal

Sulfur polymers produced through 'inverse vulcanization' exhibit various attributes, such as photocatalytic activity and a high capacity to adsorb heavy metals. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research investigating the use of sulfur polymers as materials for the removal of organic contaminants. In this work, porous sulfur polymers (PSPs) were synthesized from elemental sulfur and 1,3-diisopropenylbenzene, with porosity introduced via salt templating. The result is a material that can strongly adsorb and chemically neutralize a model organic contaminant (caffeine). PSPs show adsorption up to 5 times higher than a leading adsorption material (activated carbon). Furthermore, either the adsorption or degradation processes can govern the removal efficiency depending on the synthesis parameters of PSPs. This is the first-ever report demonstrating sulfur polymers as effective materials for removing emerging contaminants from water. The versatile synthesis of sulfur polymers offers variation, which means that there is much more to explore in this exciting research area.

Structural Effect of Cyclic Olefin Cross-Linkers on Long-Wave Infrared-Transmitting Sulfur Polymers

Structural Effect of Cyclic Olefin Cross-Linkers on Long-Wave Infrared-Transmitting Sulfur Polymers

Preparing a New Type of Concrete Based on Sulfur-melamine Modifier

في هذا البحث تم تحضير نوع جديد من الخرسانة يعتمد على تحوير الكبريت والميلامين ودراسة خصائصها المختلفة. حضر هذا النوع الجديد من الخرسانة بناءً على تعديل الكبريت والميلامين والمكونات المختلفة. تم اثبات هذه التعديلات من خلال التحليل الطيفي للأشعة تحت الحمراء وتحليل .TG تمت دراسة التشكل السطحي الناتج عن هذا التعديل من خلال تحليل SEM وEDS وتم دراسة نسب المكونات في الخواص الخرسانية والكيميائية والفيزيائية الناتجة عن تعديل الكبريت والميلامين، كما تم دراسة المقاومة الكيميائية والتآكل للخرسانة، وثبات الخرسانة ضد امتصاص الماء، وثبات الخرسانة ضد التجمد، والخصائص الفيزيائية والميكانيكية والمتانة، ومعامل المرونة، والحرارية ومعامل التمدد للخرسانة الكبريتية المدروسة. أكدت نتائج الأشعة تحت الحمراء المجموعات الوظيفية الأمينية (حلقة الميلامين المرفقة) وتشكيل سلاسل متعدد الكبريت. كانت خسارة الكتلة الحرارية لتعديل الكبريت والميلامين خطوة واحدة. كانت عمليات فقد الكتلة للمنتج المعدل عمليات ماصة للحرارة. كشفت نتائج SEM التي تم الحصول عليها أن تعديل الكبريت والميلامين يؤدي إلى بنية مسامية أكثر ، بدون أي أشكال بلورية. أظهر تحليل EDS أن ذرات النيتروجين شكلت 51.33٪ من الكتلة الكلية بينما كان الكربون 30.94٪ من الكتلة الكلية. كان ثبات الخرسانة المعدلة الكبريت والميلامين عاليًا جدًا في المحاليل القوية المختلفة. كان الحجم المنخفض للخرسانة القائمة على الركام أكثر كثافة \، 2417 كجم / م 3. انخفضت كثافة الخرسانة ببطء مع زيادة حجم الركام. كان معدل التشوه للخرسانة المعدلة 0.0030-0.0033 مما يؤكد على ان فعالية الخرسانة المعدلة أفضل من الخرسانة التقليدية. كما أكدت النتائج المتحصل عليها أن قيمة معامل التمدد الحراري للخرسانة المعدلة من الكبريت والميلامين كانت 17.2×10-6\oC درجة مئوية.

Water Soluble, Ionically Generated Thiopolymers

AbstractSodium allyl sulfonate (SAS) is a surfactant molecule that has occasional use as a monomer for the formation of functional polymers. A polymerization method is detailed herein, whereby it is demonstrated that the positioning of the individual functional groups can allow for the removal of protons adjacent to a sulfonate position before reaction with an electrophilic center to generate a polymeric material. In this case, sodium polysulfides are applied to promote the formation of a sulfur polymer using a mild synthesis that poses significant safety and energy benefits when compared to other methods of sulfur polymer generation, for example, inverse vulcanization. The polymer product that forms is demonstrated to retain all starting functionalities. Poly‐S‐SAS polymer also demonstrates impressive properties for application as a desiccant with a sorption maximum of 345 w/w % water, or as a flocculant material capable of removing up to 87% of different metals from low ppm solutions rapidly.

Microbial communities present in Sargassum spp. leachates from the Mexican Caribbean which are involved in their degradation in the environment, a tool to tackle the problem.

The Sargassum phenomenon is currently affecting the Caribbean in several ways; one of them is the increase of greenhouse gases due to the decomposition process of this macroalgae; these processes also produce large amounts of pollutant leachates, in which several microbial communities are involved. To understand these processes, we conducted a 150-day study on the Sargassum spp environmental degradation under outdoor conditions, during which leachates were collected at 0, 30, 90, and 150days. Subsequently, a metagenomic study of the microorganisms found in the leachates was carried out, in which changes in the microbial community were observed over time. The results showed that anaerobic bacterial genera such as Thermofilum and Methanopyrus were predominant at the beginning of this study (0 and 30days), degrading sugars of sulfur polymers such as fucoidan, but throughout the experiment, the microbial communities were changed also, with the genera Fischerella and Dolichospermum being the most predominant at days 90 and 150, respectively. A principal component analysis (PCA) indicated, with 94% variance, that genera were positively correlated at 30 and 90days, but not with initial populations, indicating changes in community structure due to sargassum degradation were present. Finally, at 150days, the leachate volume decreased by almost 50% and there was a higher abundance of the genera Desulfobacter and Dolichospemum. This is the first work carried out to understand the degradation of Sargassum spp, which will serve, together with other works, to understand and provide a solution to this serious environmental problem in the Caribbean.

Water‐Soluble Ionic Liquid‐Containing Sulfur Polymers for Mercury Capture, Demulsification, and Antibacterial Activity

AbstractSulfur polymers, prepared by inverse vulcanization using elemental sulfur and vinylic monomers, are emerging functional materials of current research interest; however, sulfur polymers suffer from limited water solubility due to the hydrophobic nature of conventional comonomers and sulfur. Herein, the preparation of ionic liquid (IL)‐containing sulfur polymers are reported using the hydrophilic ionic liquid, 1‐allyl‐3‐vinylimidazolium chloride (AVImCl) as a comonomer. The introduction of IL significantly enhances the hydrophilicity of sulfur polymers, enabling them to dissolve in water. Benefiting from the thorough contact with aqueous mercury ions, the resultant sulfur polymer possesses high uptake capacity (436 mg g−1). After binding mercury, a coordination complex is formed and precipitated. The charged sulfur polymers gain a new application in demulsification. The polymer quickly breaks oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions through anion exchange between Cl− of the polymer and dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBS−) of the surfactant. In addition, the polymer has a growth inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus. The integration of IL and elemental sulfur provides a novel approach to modifying the wettability of sulfur polymers. Also, this novel water‐soluble IL‐containing sulfur polymer, with mercury capture, demulsification, and antibacterial activity, can be considered as a multifunctional material in practical water purification.

A STUDY ON PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF MODIFIED SULFUR CONCRETE

In this article, the polymerization reaction of elemental sulfur with organic modifiers is studied, and the optimal conditions of the modification process are presented. Also, the process of obtaining polymer sulfur concrete from modified sulfur is presented. Initially, elemental sulfur is heated to a temperature of 140-145 0C, aniline hydrochloride is added, and the temperature of the reaction is raised to 160 0C for 45 minutes. The average density of this obtained sulfur concrete sample was 2382 kg/m3. Sulfur-based concrete was obtained using the modified sulfur obtained in this process. Sulfur-based concrete was obtained by taking 56% sand, 14% ash, and 30% modified sulfur. Physico-chemical properties of sulfur concrete obtained based on modified sulfur and modified sulfur were studied and analyzed using X-ray phase analysis, IR-spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, gamma-spectroscopy, and X-ray analysis. Also, the thermal analysis of modified sulfur-based concrete was studied using differential-thermal and thermogravimetric analysis. It was calculated that the average particle size d(nm) of the obtained polymer sulfur concrete is equal to 84.14 according to the Debaya-Sherrera equation.

Advancing sustainability with inverse vulcanization of waste sulfur catalyzed with TiO2

There is a need for sustainable valorization solutions for the problem of excess sulfur arising from abundant natural sources of sulfur and the production of millions of tons of sulfur annually as a byproduct of refineries. Developing sulfur-based polymers with enhanced mechanical properties using the process of inverse vulcanization could be a valuable endeavor, since the poor mechanical properties of current sulfur polymers limit their scale-up and widespread application. Herein, we studied the performance of titanium oxide (TiO2) in improving the mechanical properties of the sulfur polymer through copolymerization with oleic acid. To study the efficacy of TiO2 and oleic acid in copolymerization with sulfur. we used laboratory experiments and a computational approach geared toward the use of the density functional theory (DFT). Based on the DFT results, the coordination of the third and fourth ligands (oleic acid chains) to the Ti4+ ion are not as strong as the coordination of the first two ligands mainly because of the high steric hindrance around the metal ion. The low values of binding energy for Ti2+–di oleate and Ti+–tri oleate make them more accessible to sulfur chains. This in turn, promotes the cross-linking reactions in a process of inverse vulcanization. This was further reflected in an increase of up to 637.3% in sulfur–oleic acid blends in presence of TiO2. This study contributes to the sustainable use of abundant sulfur and the sustainable development of the polymer industry.

Application of Sulfur-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine as Modifier for Producing an Advantageous Concrete

In this investigative endeavor, a novel concrete variety incorporating sulfur-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine modification was developed, and its diverse attributes were explored. This innovative concrete was produced using sulfur-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine modification and an array of components. The newly created sulfur-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine modifier was synthesized. The surface texture resulting from this modifier was examined using SEM and EDS techniques. The component ratios within concrete, chemical and physical traits derived from the sulfur-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine modifier, chemical and corrosion resistance of concrete, concrete stability against water absorption, concrete resilience against freezing, physical and mechanical properties, durability, elastic modulus, and thermal expansion coefficient of the examined sulfur-infused concrete were assessed. The acquired results also substantiated that the thermal expansion coefficient value for sulfur-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine modified concrete was 14.8×10-6/0C. The average deformation of the analyzed concrete was 0.0026-0.0051, indicating a superior deformation performance compared to conventional concretes. Concrete with smaller aggregate sizes exhibited greater density, specifically 2283 kg/m3. The concrete density decreased gradually with an increase in aggregate size. The stability of sulfur-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine modified concrete was remarkably high in various aggressive environments. EDS analysis revealed that carbon atoms constituted 56.63% of the total mass, while sulfur made up 33.91% of the total mass. The obtained SEM outcomes demonstrated that the sulfur-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine modifier exhibited a more porous structure, devoid of crystalline formations. The sulfur-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine modification experienced a single-stage thermal mass loss, with the mass loss events being endothermic in nature. The IR findings verified the presence of amino functional groups (connected melamine ring) and the establishment of polymer sulfur chains.

Shumkonia mesophila gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel representative of Shumkoniaceae fam. nov. and its potentials for extracellular polymeric substances formation and sulfur metabolism revealed by genomic analysis.

A microaerophilic, mesophilic, chemoorganoheterotrophic bacterium, designated Y-P2T, was isolated from oil sludge enrichment in China. Cells of the strain were Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped or slightly curved with 0.8-3.0µm in length and 0.4-0.6µm in diameter. The strain Y-P2T grew optimally at 25°C (range from 15 to 30°C) and pH 7.0 (range from pH 6.0 to 7.5) without NaCl. The major cellular fatty acids were C16:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c), summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c). The main polar liquids of strain Y-P2T comprised phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG). The respiratory quinone was Q-10. Acetate and H2 were the fermentation products of glucose. The DNA G + C content was 66.0%. Strain Y-P2T shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (90.3-90.6%) with species within Oceanibaculum of family Thalassobaculaceae in Rhodospirillales. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and genomes showed that strain Y-P2T formed a distinct evolutionary lineage within the order Rhodospirillales. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and phylogenomic data, we propose that strain Y-P2T represents a novel species in a novel genus, for which Shumkonia mesophila gen. nov., sp. nov., within a new family Shumkoniaceae fam. nov. The type strain is Y-P2T (= CCAM 826T = JCM 34766T).

Chemical, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Sulfur Polymer Composites Comprising Low-Value Fats and Pozzolan Additives

High sulfur-content materials (HSMs) formed via inverse vulcanization of elemental sulfur with animal fats and/or plant oils can exhibit remarkable mechanical strength and chemical resistance, sometimes superior to commercial building products. Adding pozzolan fine materials—fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), or metakaolin (MK)—can further improve HSM mechanical properties and stability. Herein, we detail nine materials comprised of rancidified chicken fat, elemental sulfur, and canola or sunflower oil (to yield CFS or GFS, respectively) and, with or without FA, SF, GGBFS, or MK. The base HSMs, CFS90 or GFS90, contained 90 wt% sulfur, 5 wt% chicken fat, and 5 wt% canola or sunflower oil, respectively. For each HSM/fine combination, the resulting material was prepared using a 95:5 mass input ratio of HSM/fine. No material exhibited water uptake >0.2 wt% after immersion in water for 24 h, significantly lower than the 28 wt% observed with ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Impressively, CFS90, GFS90, and all HSM/fine combinations exhibited compressive strength values 15% to 55% greater than OPC. After immersion in 0.5 M H2SO4, CFS90, GFS90, and its derivatives retained 90% to 171% of the initial strength of OPC, whereas OPC disintegrated under these conditions. CFS90, GFS90, and its derivatives collectively show promise as sustainable materials and materials with superior performance versus concrete.

Characterization of the optical and electronic properties of chalcogenide hybrid inorganic/organic polymer thin films

Chalcogenide hybrid inorganic/organic polymers (CHIPs) are a new class of optical polymeric materials for imaging and photonic applications due to their high refractive indices and high optical transmission at visible and infrared wavelengths. In this study, we characterize these polymers to study the refractive index and delve into the electronic properties by way of measurements of their dielectric constants. Ellipsometry is used to determine the refractive indices for wavelengths from 500 nm to 12 µm, while we use capacitance measurements on thin film capacitors with a range of areas to find the dielectric constant. The results are in line with expectations based on the sulfur composition of the polymers-indices range from 1.7 to 1.85, and dielectric constants range from 2.6 to 3. With these measurements, these sulfur polymer materials are established to be good candidates for optical and photonic applications, particularly with respect to telecommunications. The dielectric constants suggest that applications such as electro-optic devices and capacitors may also be viable.