Using Technical Sulfur as a Structuring Additive for Mineral Binders Based on Calcium Sulfate

The article discusses physical and chemical characteristics of producing effective materials based on calcium sulfate dihydrate, the pretreated waste of man-made production being added at the stage of mixing the air binder. The high degree of consumption of exhaustible natural resources causes increased research activities in the field of application of industrial waste in construction. Using manmade waste, such as technical sulfur, as a modifier of the structure and properties of building materials is a significant step in solving environmental, resource, and economic problems. Industrial production of building materials today follows the principles of sustainable development and waste minimization by optimizing product formulations and reducing energy consumption required for their production. In addition, the improvement of quality and performance indicators of standardized products is relevant and sought-after. The need for efficient technologies for utilization of technical sulfur is due to large volumes of production and the environmental threat which accompanies the storage of its large volumes. Adding technical sulfur as a component of technological construction mixtures will create an alternative to the methods of utilization of this production waste. Physical and technical and physical and chemical properties of technical sulfur predetermine the possibility of its use, with certain additional treatment, as an effective modifier of the structure and properties of gypsum products. The results presented in the article prove the potential use of this production waste as an effective structure-forming additive, which has a positive effect on the physical and technical parameters of calcium sulfate-based materials.