The Bombay Technologist

Polymer-based Nanocomposites for the Separation of Oil from Water

Siddhantt S. Bhamare

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36664/bt/2022/v69i1/172475

Keywords: Polymer/carbon nanocomposites; Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/ clay nanofiber; Composites; Porosity.

Abstract

Oil spills are a major cause of water pollution, with serious consequences for the environment, biological systems, and economic systems. To preserve the survival of marine animals and the health of the ecosystem, oil spills must be cleaned up as soon as feasible. In order to restore the damaged marine environment to its native ecology, effective methodologies and removal processes (as well as materials) must be developed. Following the rupture of the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, various studies on oil spills were conducted, and it was discovered that polymeric nanocomposites may be used to clean up oil spills. When it comes to oil-water separation, traditional methods are insufficient. Many studies have shown that nanotechnology can help clean up oil spills in water, especially when combined with polymer/carbon nanocomposites like polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/clay nanofiber composites, which have been studied for their morphology, porosity, density, and mechanical properties, among other things. Polymers are used in everything from huge Boeing jets to the smallest nano-electronic devices. It is hard to imagine a world without them. Everywhere we go, we see polymers in things we use every day, like toys and mattresses and clothes and shoes and drugs and adhesives. Since the early days of humanity, polymers have intrigued us with their myriad forms, often wonderful properties, interactions, and roles in different phenomena. Polymers are a group of materials that can be used in many different ways. They are made up of giant molecules (macromolecules). In nature, they can be found in things like the biopolymers, DNA in our bodies and starch in potatoes; or they can be man-made like ordinary plastic polythene in bottles and toys or polyurethane-based composite foam for oil water separation (Oil spills). The effect of clay content on the oil sorption capacity of PVC nanofiber mats is explored in this review, as well as how to enhance it. The findings show that, among other things, the porosity, density, mechanical properties, and sorption capacity of nanofiber mats are all controlled by their porosity, density, mechanical properties, and sorption capacity. It is feasible to improve the porosity and oil sorption capacity of nanofiber composite materials by using clay.