The Element Sulfur: A New Possble Use

Marina W

2/6/19

Mixtures Blog

Not everyone is a scientist, but you don’t have to be one to know this common element- sulfur! It’s found in many underground deposits and natural formations, plus it’s more widely recognized for it’s eye-watering smell similar to rotten eggs. Sulfur has many uses, believe it or not, and right now it’s even being considered as an alternative to carbon in making synthetic polymers, or plastic. The alternative, sulfur, is mixed with organic cross-linker molecules to form plastic Although this is very effective short-term, in the long-term it has many unwanted effects. Nearly 350 million tons of plastic are produced each year, eventually leading to a buildup of trash and pollution as a result.

Luckily, scientists at the University of Liverpool have discovered a more sustainable and eco-friendly way to manufacture synthetic polymers. The students that conducted the study found a new process of inverse vulcanization that reduces the length of the reaction time and temperatures needed to conduct the process while also helping to prevent the formation of non-environmentally friendly products. It also improves the physical properties of the polymers made.

These new polymers are much more efficient than the only currently manufactured today, plus they are more easy to recycle. As said by Dr. Tom Hazell, who led the group in conducting their research, “ There is also the scope for unique new polymers with unprecedented properties. The properties of sulfur are very different to carbon, and this has already opened up a world of possible applications for sulfur polymers including thermal imaging lenses, batteries, water purification and human health.” meaning that sulfur, despite having many differences from carbon, could become a huge part in the items manufactured today after this new discovery.

In the long run as technology gets more advanced, sulfur will possibly be utilized more as a more earth friendly alternative to carbon in many items, not just synthetic polymers. Scientists all over the world adjust and adapt to new technological inventions going around us every day, whether it’s a new pair of bluetooth earbuds, or a re-invented telescope designed by a bunch of college students. It is very likely that advances in the field of chemistry will come very soon in the next couple of years. As more research is conducted on sulfur, more properties will be examined and determined on how to use them to the best of its ability.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190207115011.htm https://phys.org/news/2019-02-scientists-plastics-sulfur.html