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Low-cost fluorinated diatomaceous earth polyurethane foam for the absorption of oil

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Abstract

In the present work, we intend to focus on the synthesis, characterization, and application of a high-performing hydrophobic and oleophilic polyurethane foam functionalized with diatomaceous earth and fluorosilane, which are eco-friendly and low-cost materials for their potential use as absorbents for hydrophobic materials. The scanning electron microscopic studies and thermogravimetric analysis showed that the surface-modified polyurethane has a significant micro–nano-structure and surface functionalization, and the water contact angle measurement showed an increase in hydrophobicity due to the fluorosilane-functionalized diatomaceous earth particles anchoring onto the polyurethane foam. Also, the thermogravimetric analysis revealed an increased thermal stability due to the surface functionalization. The novel fluorosilane—diatomaceous earth—polyurethane foam exhibited a silver mirror-like effect when immersed into water due to inherent hydrophobicity and had an enhanced absorption of oil and organic solvents compared to the unmodified polyurethane. This research presents the successful synthesis of surface-modified polyurethane for its suitability for oil absorption capacity for cleaning the oil pollutants from water and for organic solvents clean-up purposes.

Graphical abstract

Overview of the research approach, which represents stepwise synthesis of the polyurethane (PU) foam surface modified with diatomaceous earth (DE) and fluorosilane (FS) to form low-density and high-absorbing surface-functionalized PU foam exhibiting enhanced oil absorption making this novel composite as a potential candidate for crude oil clean-up and recovery process.

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Acknowledgements

This work is supported by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and the authors would like to acknowledge ADEK for their financial support and thank Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi Women’s Campus and Khalifa University, for extending their cooperation and support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Maths and Natural Science, Abu Dhabi Women’s Campus, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Helanka J. Perera & Hussaina Banu

  2. Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, PO Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Anjali Goyal & Saeed M. Alhassan

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  1. Helanka J. Perera
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  2. Anjali Goyal
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  3. Hussaina Banu
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  4. Saeed M. Alhassan
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Correspondence to Helanka J. Perera.

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Perera, H.J., Goyal, A., Banu, H. et al. Low-cost fluorinated diatomaceous earth polyurethane foam for the absorption of oil. MRS Energy & Sustainability 9, 94–104 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1557/s43581-022-00022-2

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