In general, embodiments of the present disclosure describe a method of sulfur polymerization including preparing a monomer solution. The monomer solution includes sulfur, at least one monomer selected from a vinyl-monomer group including styrene, n-butyl methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, acrylic acid, and mixtures thereof, one or more surfactants. The method includes preparing a reaction solution. The reaction solution includes water, combining the monomer solution with the reaction solution, agitating the reaction solution and the monomer solution, adding a free radical initiator, and increasing a reaction temperature.