Natural Mucilage Modified Elastomer for Oil/Water Separation

Bio-inspired interfaces have become a significant approach in the development of smart materials for practical applicability. Due to their exceptional absorption qualities, chemical stability, high selectivity, and efficient recyclability, hydrophobic and oleophilic characteristics, these materials demonstrated a significant potential as absorbents for oil.

Abstract

Bio-inspired interfaces have emerged as a prominent method of developing innovative materials with practical uses, such as eco-friendly oil removal, anti-fouling coatings, and advanced underwater robotics. The current research aims to improve the absorption efficiency of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomeric sponge by modifying it with natural mucilage from flaxseed and aloe vera. The PDMS-Aloe vera (PA) sponge showed an absorption capacity of 227.39% ± 21% for cocos nucifera oil (CNO) and 451.52% ± 35.71% for gasoline within 10 min. PDMS-Flaxseed (PF) sponge showed an absorption capacity of 243.23% ± 41.12% for CNO and 526.25% ± 68.32% for gasoline in the first 10 min. The PDMS-Aloe vera-Flaxseed (PAF) sponge exhibited an absorption capacity of 230.25% ± 59.25% for CNO and 581.06% ± 47.23% for gasoline within the initial 10 min period. The PA sponge showed a reusability efficiency of 95.5% for CNO and 90.30% for gasoline. The PF sponge displayed a reusability efficiency of 111.54% for CNO and 103.87% for gasoline. The PAF sponge demonstrated a reusability efficiency of 124.06% for CNO and 100.18% for gasoline. Modified PDMS elastomeric sponges have excellent absorption properties, chemical stability, high selectivity, and effective recyclability.

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