Oil Spill Products | Oil and Chemical absorbents

Absorbents, also known as sorbents, are various materials that help soak up and eliminate oils and chemicals. There are three primary types of absorbents:

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Organic Absorbents

Organic absorbents are eco-friendly and made from sustainable sources like cellulose, sawdust, wood, straw, and coir. Some, such as sawdust, are by-products of industrial processes. While organic absorbents have excellent absorption capabilities, they are generally lightweight and can be easily disturbed by wind when used outdoors. They also tend to absorb water unless specially treated. One outstanding organic absorbent is ISOL8, produced from coir.

Synthetic Absorbents

Man-made materials like polypropylene and polyethylene comprise synthetic absorbents. Polypropylene notably dominates the market and is available in various forms such as pads (sheets), rolls, cushions (pillows), socks, booms, sweeps, and drum toppers. These synthetic absorbents can be treated to become oleophilic (oil-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling), making them ideal for removing oil from water surfaces, especially in boom form. Despite their multiple-use capabilities and suitability for hazardous chemicals, synthetic absorbents are not biodegradable.

Inorganic Absorbents

Inorganic absorbents come from non-renewable sources like clay, sand, and peat. They generally exhibit lower absorption rates compared to organic and synthetic types. For example, clay granules pose health risks due to the inhalation of dust (Potters' Rot).

Absorbents are classified into three types: oil, chemical, and maintenance.

Oil Absorbents

Oil absorbents, including pads, booms, cushions, rolls, and socks, are hydrophobic, meaning they do not absorb water. They can remove oil from water surfaces and float indefinitely until fully saturated. These absorbents are made from durable polypropylene fibers, which resist tearing and disintegration. Color-coded white. Click here to see our full range of oil absorbents.

Maintenance Absorbents

Maintenance absorbents, such as land booms, cushions, pads, rolls, and socks, are highly absorbent and crafted from high tensile strength polypropylene fibers. They are suitable for use with water, oil, coolants, cutting fluids, non-aggressive chemicals, and solvents. Color-coded Grey. Click here to see our full range of maintenance absorbents.

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Chemical Absorbents

Chemical absorbents, like land booms, pads, rolls, and socks, are produced from strong polypropylene material that does not break down with hazardous liquids. Their bright yellow color makes them easily identifiable in emergencies. Known as universal absorbents, they can absorb virtually any spill, which is useful for unidentified spills. Color-coded yellow. Click here to view our complete range of chemical absorbents.

This demonstration aims to raise awareness about environmental issues while exploring the unique properties of polymers. One noteworthy application is the experimental Enviro-Bond® polymer, used for managing and cleaning up oil spills on oceans. Other methods include using pumps, burning, detergents, and synthetic polymer booms like polypropylene to contain and absorb oil.

The following experiment illustrates how the Enviro-Bond® 403 polymer works. This hydrocarbon polymer has a porous structure, attracting and absorbing oil, encapsulating it to prevent its release. When saturated, the particles form a semi-solid mass, making it easier to handle and dispose of. Enviro-Bond is ideal for water cleanup as it is hydrophobic and floats on water. Always wear chemical splash goggles and handle the material with care.

Supplies Needed:

• Enviro-Bond® 403 powder (available from Flinn Scientific Inc.)
• Clear plastic cup
• Plastic spoon and fork
• Water
• Marvel Mystery Oil® or kerosene
• Paper plate

Procedure:

1. Fill half the plastic cup with tap water.

2. Pour a thin layer of oil in the plastic cup. Notice the oil floating on top of the water.

3. Using the plastic spoon, sprinkle enough Enviro-Bond® 403 on the oil spill in the cup. Watch the polymer absorb the oil.

4. When all the oil is absorbed, lift the polymer-oil cake with the fork and place it on the paper plate.

5. Observe the water in the cup. Is it clean? Was all the oil removed?

6. Congratulations, you have successfully cleaned up your oil spill!

Enviro-Bond® 403 is classified as a hydrocarbon stabilizer rather than a super-absorber as it does not absorb 25 times its weight in liquid. The absorbing power can be measured by weighing the polymer before and after absorption.

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