Converting Industrial Sulphur Waste into Sustainable Binder Alternatives: Rheological Performance and Chemical Insights
Abstract
Industrial processes in coal mining, oil and gas refining, and metal smelting generate significant sulfur waste worldwide. Building on previous research showing promising results in partially replacing binder with sulfur, this study evaluated sulfur extended binders (SEBs) to improve rheological properties and reduce petroleum dependency. SEBs were prepared at low (3%–15%) and high (20%–60%) sulfur contents and characterized through temperature sweep tests and flexural creep stiffness evaluations. Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thin layer chromatography with flame ionization detection (TLC-FID) analyzed modifications, functional groups, and SARA components over 1–32 day curing periods at room temperature. Results showed consistent rheological improvement with increasing sulfur content. High and low-temperature rheological properties stabilized after 10 days due to fine crystalline sulfur precipitation and light component volatilization. LSCM revealed fluorescent crystals when sulfur exceeded 9%, with crystal formation progressively increasing with sulfur content. FTIR identified new characteristic peaks at 676 cm−1 or 659 cm−1, indicating C-S bond stretching vibrations and chemical interactions between sulfur and base binder. TLC-FID demonstrated that naphthene-aromatic compounds transformed into polar aromatics, forming mono- or polysulfide chains incorporating sulfur. Notably, heavy component proportions in SEBs increased significantly after 15 days of curing.
Recommended Citation
K. Shi et al., "Converting Industrial Sulphur Waste into Sustainable Binder Alternatives: Rheological Performance and Chemical Insights," International Journal of Pavement Engineering, vol. 26, no. 1, article no. 2582729, Taylor and Francis Group; Taylor and Francis, Jan 2025.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1080/10298436.2025.2582729
Department(s)
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
curing; functional groups; rheological properties; SARA components; Sulphur extended binder
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1477-268X; 1029-8436
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2025 Taylor and Francis Group; Taylor and Francis, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2025
Comments
Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, Grant 2023YFB2604600