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Chemists from the Advanced Engineering School of St. Petersburg State University (SPbU) have created a material capable of absorbing oil from water, according to the university’s portal. The polymer film can be reused; it is strong and does not sink.
The sorbent itself is made on the basis of petroleum products. It is a flexible film consisting of a large number of fibres thinner than 1 micron, forming a sponge-like structure. When the polymer is placed on an oil spill, it begins to absorb the contaminants and gradually darkens. After the cleaning process is completed, the polymer can be wrung out, washed and used again. At the same time, the extracted oil can also be reused. According to the scientists, after five cleaning cycles the sorption capacity of the material decreases by only 15-20 per cent.
The development was tested in conditions close to real ones: the temperature of salt water was lowered to +4℃, and special devices simulated liquid rotation and wave motion. The sorbent did not sink. It is hydrophobic, so it will float on the surface even in rain and rough conditions. The material is lightweight but at the same time strong and elastic.
The university is confident that such a polymer may become one of the tools for combating environmental disasters. Scientists are currently exploring possible applications.
