Lignocellulose-Sulfur Composite Materials for Construction Applications (2017-025)

These composites chemically combine abundant agricultural and petrochemical wastes, allowing for practical reduction of inert wastes that can be used to either supplement or replace traditional construction materials. Approximately 7 million tons of waste sulfur and 5 million tons of waste lignocellulose are produced each year. Only a quarter of these sulfur wastes are utilized, while little to none of the lignocellulose wastes are used for other purposes. Clemson University researchers have created a method of using these wastes in a way that not only is environmentally friendly, but also income-producing. Their creation of construction materials that makes use of both waste streams provides a way to lower overall environmental impact and supplement the construction industry. These composites will better serve the construction industry by improving materials with enhanced properties such as water repellency, thermal stability, and mechanical strength.