Researchers from the University of Arizona are turning sulfur recovered from oil and gas applications into flame retardant plastic.

When sulfur is removed during refining processes — typically through a process called hydrodesulfurization (HDS) wherein sulfur atoms are stripped from oil molecules — it accumulates. However, this fossil fuel refining byproduct proved to be, according to the research team, an ingredient for creating a thermoplastic elastomer.

Source: University of ArizonaSource: University of Arizona

Setting the sulfur-derived thermoplastic elastomer apart from traditional plastics is that the sulfur-derived iteration — in addition to being elastic, rubbery and moldable — is flame retardant. The researchers report that when the material catches fire, the sulfur-derived plastic will instantly self-extinguish and, in lieu of burning, will only produce heat and smoke instead.

The research appears in the journal of the German Chemical Society Angewandte Chemie.

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