Inverse Vulcanization with SiO₂-Embedded Elemental Sulfur for Superhydrophobic, Anticorrosion, and Antibacterial Coatings

Sulfur-rich polymers generated from the inverse vulcanization of elemental sulfur with unsaturated monomers have emerged as a family of organic polymers with unique functionalities and broad potential applications. First described in 2013, inverse vulcanization is still in its infancy regarding its fundamental development, property exploration of the resultant polymers, and practical utilizations. Herein, the robust properties of sulfur-rich composites generated by inverse vulcanization with SiO2-embedded elemental sulfur are revealed, furnishing superhydrophobicity with static water contact angles of up to 154.7 ± 1.8°, a high anticorrosive effect of 98.9% protection efficiency for Mg alloy in 3.5 wt % NaCl solution, and a good antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli (81%) and Staphylococcus aureus (75%). The resulted composite also shows excellent self-cleaning functionalities. This has not only expanded the properties/functionalities and applications of the sulfur-rich polymers resulting from inverse vulcanization but also provided low-cost alternatives to superhydrophobic coating materials for practical applications.