Four undergraduate students from the School of Engineering and Materials Science have co-authored a scientific paper published in the Journal of Cleaner Production. The study, titled 'Inverse vulcanized sulfur polymers: A greener and cost-effective alternative to conventional polymers – A cradle-to-gate life cycle analysis', explores innovative ways to turn industrial waste into sustainable materials.

The research focused on sulfur polymers—materials created from elemental sulfur, a by-product of petroleum refining. Traditionally considered waste, sulfur was transformed into high-performance polymers with potential applications ranging from protective coatings to water treatment. By carrying out a detailed life cycle analysis, the team showed that these polymers could reduce both energy use and costs compared to conventional petrochemical-based plastics, offering a promising alternative for more sustainable manufacturing.

The project was supervised by Dr Colin Crick and overseen by visiting PhD researcher Vinicius Diniz. Together, they guided undergraduate researchers Abdirahman Mohamud, Fardin Teen Rahman, Hibah Tariq Rana, and Nimota Anjolaade Ogunwoolu, whose contributions to experimental work and data analysis were crucial to the study’s success.

For potential students, this publication highlights the unique opportunities available at Queen Mary University of London to participate in high-level research as an undergraduate. For academic colleagues, it demonstrates the impact of cross-disciplinary collaboration in developing greener technologies and advancing polymer science.