Inexpensive material offers solution for ocean oil spills

"We already know what kind of polymers can absorb oil," Chung said. "Some oil is very thick and takes a long time to absorb, so we blended two polymers to provide structure with high surface area. It's a microporous structure. If you look inside there are many small holes. This morphological structure allows the viscous oil to diffuse inside, allowing for more oil to absorb through the surfaces."

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The blend of two polymers — an interpenetrating polymer network of hard and soft polymers — can be optimized for different oil viscosities and other factors. The researchers have three U.S. patents on this work, and i-Petrogel is undergoing steps to become commercially produced.

During the field tests, researchers found the new polymer absorbed more than 40 times its weight in Alaska North Slope oil, double the capacity of its predecessor, Petrogel, also developed by the same Penn State researchers. The product takes on a gel-like consistency as it absorbs oil and remains at the surface. It can be readily removed using skimmers already used in clean-ups.

Previous techniques used to quell disasters like the Deepwater Horizon incident in 2010 recovered about 10 percent of the oil spilled, and the recovered oil was unusable. That generated about 80,000 tons of solid waste from soiled booms, and additional liquid oil waste mixed with salt water as responders struggled to contain the estimated 200 million gallons of spilled oil.

The innovative microporous structure of the blended polymers enables them to absorb various types of oil, including those with high viscosity. This means they can be tailored to different spill scenarios, enhancing their practical applications. Moreover, because the material turns into a gel upon absorption and floats on water, it simplifies the recovery process, thus offering a more information sustainable way to manage oil spills.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

This new method significantly reduces waste and environmental impact compared to traditional cleanup methods. By making oil recovery more efficient and creating less waste, these polymers align well with Jiatong's focus on sustainability. The polymers' ability to be optimized for specific oil types also means fewer materials are wasted, making the approach more cost-effective.