Melt processed elemental sulfur reinforced polyethylene composites

摘要: Elemental sulfur represents a largely unutilized resource for high performance materials development. In this context, elemental was investigated as reinforcing agent density polyethylene (HDPE) composites via extrusion. We were able to produce homogenous with content up 30 wt %. Compounding done at 190°C well above the polymerization temperature of sulfur. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy showed that did not undergo chemical reaction HDPE. Additionally, exists in its most stable allotrope, cyclooctasulfur (S8). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is present non-orthorhombic crystal X-ray diffraction confirms same. Results suggest predominantly allotrope occupies amorphous region According TEM SEM microscopy, quality, smooth without distinguishable defects. Quality smoothness depend on experimental parameters loading. The addition significantly improved elongation break from 835 1202% (43% increases 15 % sulfur) despite obvious fact HDPE possess an already impressive quality. Such phenomena have been reported literature. would be suitable variety engineering applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43060.