Sulphur’s ability to modify and enhance the properties of construction materials has been extensively researched and exploited over the past four decades. Most of the research work has come to a halt as a result of the historic market demand for sulphur about two decades ago. In general, the availability of sulphur has considerably grown in many countries. This is mainly due to the current environmental restrictions regarding the petroleum and gas refining processes, which limit the maximum quantity of sulphur present in fossil fuels. Extremely large quantities of sulphur are thus obtained as a by-product of these processes, together with coal processing.
The development of new applications for sulphur is a growing business. A prominent application for sulphur asphalt technologies is paving roadways. The use of sulphur to enhance or rejuvenate asphalt consumes a significant amount of sulphur. Even if sulphur captured only a conservative 5% of the current asphalt market, it would represent a market for nearly one million tons of sulphur annually and can help alleviate the oncoming sulphur surplus.
Sulphur-asphalt concrete has a relatively simple composition and unique characteristics and properties. It’s extremely high corrosion resistance, mechanical strength and fast hardening make it a high-performance material suitable for several applications, especially the ones in which other materials may not satisfy.