Invention:
This invention consists of novel sulfur-based polyol polymers which are highly soluble in polar organic solvents and are made in a single chemical step from elemental sulfur. This chemistry enables new polyurethane compositions from sulfur comonomers. The method of synthesis can be easily scaled to large-scale production, and can be processed into water or polar solvent-based formulations. The material may be sprayed or processed into films. Various product families can be made with available polymers used as termonomers.
Background:
Research efforts have been directed towards exploiting the special high-performance characteristics of polymers with sulfur in the backbone. Sulfur is a byproduct of refining petroleum which has limited use and is being stockpiled. Sulfur polymers have the potential for reducing the amount of hydrocarbons required for plastic production.
Applications:
- Thermosetting polymer
- Polyurethanes
- Flame retardant
Advantages:
- Tuneable properties with termonomers
- High solubility in water and polar solvents for ease of formulation in sprays or films
- Re-use sulfur waste product from petroleum refining into high value polymer
For related flame retardant polymer technologies, see
