Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of polymeric oil sorbent for remediation of hydrocarbons spillage

ABSTRACT

The preparation and evaluation of polymeric oil sorbent based on styrene acrylate ester and ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA) are the main target of this work. In this respect, poly styrene-co-p-chloromethyl styrene (PSCMS) was synthesized through radical copolymerization of p-CMS with styrene in the presence of benzoyl peroxide initiator. Then, the PSCMS was reacted with acrylic acid to produce macromonomer containing polymerizable C˭C poly {styrene-co-[4-(methyl acrylate) styrene]} (PSSMA) that subsequently copolymerized with EHA in the presence of a cross-linker to obtain the cross-linked copolymers PSSMA/EHA (organogel). The prepared compounds were characterized by using FTIR, ¹H NMR, and gel permeation chromatography. The thermal properties of the cross-linked oil absorbents were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis, and the morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The oil absorbency of oil gel was determined through oil absorption tests; the highest oil absorbencies of oil gel were found to be 82.6, 74.4, 46.7, and 38.1 g/g in N,N-dimethyl formamide, CHCl₃, toluene, and diesel, respectively.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Cross-linking
• ethylhexyl acrylate
• oil spill
• organogel
• swelling capacity