Sulfur vulcanization a substantial fraction of natural and synthetic rubber. Reclaimed rubber has altered properties and is unsuitable for use in many products, including tires. Tires and other vulcanized products are potentially amenable to devulcanization, but this technology has not produced material that can supplant unvulcanized materials. The main problem is that the carbon-sulfur linkages are not readily broken, without the input of costly reagents and heat. Thus, more than half of scrap rubber is simply burned for fuel. Although polymeric sulfur is unstable and decomposes back to its monomer, it is possible to create stable polymers consisting mostly of sulfur via
The Sulphur Institute working with representatives in India to encourage similar growth in sulfur usage. TSI worked with the International Fertilizer Industry Association and the Fertilizer Association of India to provide activities and resources on the use of sulfur in agriculture. TSI serves as a spokesperson for the sulfur industry with its Transportation Regulations and Logistics program. "TSI monitors for proposed changes to regulations impacting transportation and handling of sulfur and sulfur compounds." Their program covers transportation by rail, road, and sea transportation on regional, national, and international levels. The Sulphur Institute holds an international symposium annually titled The Sulphur Institute's Sulphur World