Synthesis and characteristics of oleophilic gel polymer for oil spills cleanup

Abstract

This work studies the synthesis, characterization and evaluation of oleophilic gel based on butyl acrylate polymer (BA) to be used in oil spill removing applications. Poly(n-butyl acrylate) was synthesized by solution polymerization and the effect of different factors including polymerization time, initiator concentration, crosslinker concentration, monomer concentration and polymerization temperature on the % yield of butyl acrylate were studied to determine the optimal polymerization conditions. The thermal behavior has been investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) from 25 to 600°C and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) from 35 to 400°C. The results showed that the polymer is sufficiently thermally stable to satisfy the demands of oil spill removing applications. The structure of the polymer was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphology of polymer porosity and its ability to absorb oil were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that butyl acrylate has the ability to absorb oil (gasoline, kerosene, diesel, xylene, and octanol and Mobil oil). Sorption capacity of butyl acrylate polymer at different sorption system (dry system, static system and dynamic system) and the reusability of sorbent several times were studied. In conclusion, we have succeeded in the preparation of oleophilic gel that can be used in oil spill removing applications.