Insoluble sulfur is, by definition, sulfur which is insoluble in carbon disulfide. This form of sulfur is generally understood to be polymeric in nature, the polymer chains being made up of up to several thousand sulfur atoms. Insoluble sulfur is distinguished from soluble sulfur, which is crystalline in form.
Most commercial grades of insoluble sulfur contain both soluble and insoluble sulfur. Commercial insoluble sulfur products with varying amounts of insoluble sulfur are available. The most important use for insoluble sulfur is as a vulcanizing agent in the rubber-making industry.
Insoluble sulfur is primarily used in the rubber industry. Its advantage over ground natural sulfur is that it does not cause bloom, and that it does not dissolve and migrate in rubber. The S8 ring molecules present in soluble sulfur at room temperature open at temperatures above 158°C, allowing chains of sulfur to combine with one another to form polymeric sulfur.
Russia is an oil driven economy, and consequently, was significantly impacted due to decline in global oil prices over the past few years. Automotive sector in the country also witnessed a dip, which further negatively impacted tyre market in Russia. Government of Russia has been taking various initiatives for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in various sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure and transportation & tourism.
Demand for tyres in Russia is expected to increase at a moderate pace in the coming years, owing to rising per capita income and growing purchasing power of the consumers. Russia is set to host FIFA World Cup in 2018, which is expected to attract large number of tourists in the country, which is expected to fuel infrastructural development in the country.