System-wide Course Team Leader (SCTL) in Chemistry, Assistant Professor, Engineering Technology & Science, Chemical Engineering Department, Higher College of Technology, Abu Dhabi Campus, UAE
Engineering Technology & Science, Chemical Engineering Department, Higher College of Technology, Polymer Chemistry.
Eco-Friendly Polyurethane Foams Functionalized with Diatomaceous Earth and Silane Compounds: Advanced Solutions for Oil Spill Remediation
This study synthesizes and characterizes advanced polyurethane (PU) foams functionalized with diatomaceous earth (DE) particles and silane compounds, tailored for efficient oil spill remediation. Three innovative approaches are explored: fluorosilane-modified PU, non-fluoro octadecylsilane (C18)-modified PU, and castor oil-based PU grafted with C18-modified DE. These materials combine eco-friendliness, biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness to address the limitations of conventional PU, such as hydrophilicity, ecotoxicity, and limited durability.
The fluorosilane-functionalized PU foam exhibited enhanced hydrophobicity with a water contact angle increase, a silver mirror-like effect in water, and improved oil absorption for crude oil and organic solvents. Characterization studies, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirmed surface functionalization, thermal stability, and structural changes.
Non-fluoro C18-silane-modified PU foam demonstrated 2.13-fold higher oil absorption and reduced water uptake, with improved wettability and water repellency. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed increased crystallinity due to silane incorporation, while contact angle measurements highlighted significant hydrophobicity enhancements.
Castor oil-based PU, modified with C18-DE particles, combined sustainability with performance, achieving a 2.91-fold increase in oil adsorption and a 3.44-fold reduction in water absorption. Characterization through SEM, TGA, and FTIR indicated surface roughness, increased thermal stability, and effective functional group integration. This bio-based approach leverages castor oil as a polyol, ensuring biodegradability and low toxicity.
These studies collectively demonstrate that surface-modified PU foams are promising candidates for environmental remediation, offering superior hydrophobicity, oil absorption capacity, and eco-friendly properties. Their potential for large-scale application in oil spill recovery and organic pollutant cleanup highlights their significance in addressing critical environmental challenges.