SiO2-PDMS as Oil Removal System

Abstract

This paper presents an oil removal system design based on the use of hydrophobic silica (SiO2/PDMS) obtained by the co-condensation of silica with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) using DBTL as a polycondensation catalyst. The hydrophobic silica entrapped in the foam was evaluated by gravimetry; in addition, infrared spectroscopy will allow the identification of hydrophobic silica in the foam and the main functional groups in the foam. The hydrophobic character was determined through the modification in the water absorption capacity of the foam and by measuring the contact angle. On the other hand, optical microscopy allowed the identification of changes in the foam surface due to the presence of SiO2/ PDMS. Finally, the effect of the amount of PDMS on the oil-in-water removal capacity was determined.