Reusable Modified Natural Rubber Foam for Petroleum‐Based Liquid Removal

Abstract

A new kind of natural rubber-based oil sorbent material was prepared by sulfur vulcanization system. Natural rubber (NR) foam was modified with poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) and poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) which were prepared by emulsion polymerization. The functionality of pure polyacrylate and modified NR foam were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Morphology of the modified NR foam was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The oil/water sorption capacity and reusability of modified NR foam were investigated. Sorption test of modified NR foam showed that the modified NR foam were efficiently removed petroleum-based liquid (viscosities of 0.49-37 cSt) such as gasohol, diesel, engine oil, xylene and toluene. The oil sorption capacity of modified NR foam was in the range of 5-16 g g À1 and maintained oil sorption capacity over the range of 3-15 g g À1 after 20 cycles of absorption. About 95% of foam can be recovered by squeezing or evaporating the oil or organic solvent within the modified NR foam. The results showed that the modified NR foams are promised as reusable oil sorbent.

Fabrication of rubber gel as oil absorbent by using water as porosity agent for oil removal

“…As can be seen, the water uptake capacity of LNR RG was gradually increased from 0.05, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10, to 0.11%, respectively, as the concentration of crosslinking agent increased. The result obtained was comparatively with unmodified NR gel as previously reported . The hydrophobicity of the LNR RG was slightly reduced due to the interaction between S −2 and Cl −1 with water molecules.…”

“…As shown in Figure (a), macroporous structures (range of ϕ = 66–70 ± 2% and RD = 0.48 ± 0.02) in the range of 50–150 μm were produced during the vulcanization process. The formation of these micropores or air void was also contributed by entrapment of water molecules as a result of interaction with S 2 Cl 2 . These interconnected open‐cell structure with various sizes of pore is beneficial for uptake capacity .…”

“…Relative density (RD) of the gel is calculated from gel density ratio (ρ gel ) to solid rubber density (ρ solid rubber ) and porosity (ϕ) is the fraction of air void in the RG …”

“…To date, various technologies have been developed and implemented to solve the problem caused by oil‐spill pollution, such as oil containment booms, oil skimmers, in situ burning, dispersant, and sorbent materials . Among these techniques, using absorptive material is the most appropriate approach due to its high absorption capacity, excellent oil/water separation capacity by its open cell structure and large surface area, ease of controlling and monitoring, including the availability of various types of absorbents .…”

Enhancement of the Antibacterial Activity of Natural Rubber Latex Foam by Blending It with Chitin

“…Compared with the former three, natural rubber latex foam (NRLF) is a porous material with a low density [4,5]. NRLF has the characteristics of elastic resilience, absorbency, providing sound insulation, being shockproof and providing ventilation [6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. At present, the commercial products made from NRLF mainly include mattresses and pillows.…”