## 6 Conclusions  
Modified sulfur cake is an industrial by-product rich in elemental sulfur and calcium compounds, offering a promising, low-cost alternative to conventional construction binders, which aligns with economic, environmental, and performance demands. This review critically evaluated the recent advancements in the valorization of modified sulfur cake for sustainable construction purposes and its potential applications.  
Through chemical/thermal treatment and the incorporation of organic and inorganic additives, sulfur cake can be transformed into a durable, water-resistant, and mechanically strong composite. Compressive strengths exceeding 40 MPa in concrete and substantial improvements in rutting resistance and thermal stability in asphalt binders have been reported. However, several challenges persist, including phase separation at elevated processing temperatures, toxic gas emissions during thermal treatment, and the variability of waste composition across different sources. Furthermore, the absence of standardized performance evaluation methods and comprehensive safety guidelines presents a barrier to its widespread utilization.  
To address and find solutions for these limitations, further research efforts should prioritize the development of reactive compatibilizers, encapsulation strategies, and advanced nanostructured additives (e.g., CNTs, nano-silica) to enhance composite stability and long-term durability. Additionally, field trials under realistic environmental conditions are essential to validate laboratory findings and support the establishment of regulatory standards.  
The adoption of modified sulfur cake in construction will contribute to a circular economy by transforming the industrial wastes into high-quality plastic-free construction materials. These technologies also support climate goals through major reductions in carbon emissions, energy consumption, and pollution of the environment. Comparative life cycle assessments (LCAs) between sulfur concrete and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete indicate that sulfur-based systems may reduce total energy consumption by up to 50% and embodied CO\({}_{2}\) by as much as 60-80%. Moreover, sulfur concrete demonstrates high acid resistance and lower alkaline leachate emissions, making it ideal for chemically aggressive environments like wastewater infrastructure. Its low-temperature processing and elimination of water curing further reduce energy inputs and dependence on non-renewable raw materials. Although initial material costs may vary by region, sulfur concrete often demonstrates favorable life cycle cost-efficiency due to rapid setting, recyclability, and reduced maintenance requirements.  
Modified sulfur cake represents a technically and environmentally viable route which is a notable solution for green construction. This review offers both the potential and the limitations of modified sulfur cake, offering a clear foundation for guiding future research,industrial implementation, and policy development in alignment with global sustainability and decarbonization objectives.  
Conceptualization, M.H. and Y.O.; methodology, M.H.; investigation, Y.T., Y.I., A.Z. and Y.K.; resources, Y.O.; writing--original draft preparation, M.H.; writing--review and editing, Y.O.; supervision, Y.O.; project administration, Y.O.; funding acquisition, Y.O. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This research was funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, grant No. AP23489516, \"Development of technologies for producing sulfur concrete and sulfur-bitumen using modified sulfur cake\".  
The data that support the findings of this study are included within the manuscript.  
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.