Capillary Hydrophobic Polymer for Oil Spill Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for containing and removing oil, hydrocarbon, and chemical spills are limited by their limited re-use capacity, narrow range of safe applications, and lack of biodegradability, leading to environmental harm and economic losses.
Innovation Solution
A capillary hydrophobic polymer derived from natural and synthetic oily substances, treated with amorphous silica, which allows for multiple re-use cycles and efficient absorption and adsorption of non-aqueous substances, including oil and hydrocarbons, while being biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional absorbent products (polypropylene fibres, cellulose fibre) are used, then oil absorption capacity is provided, but re-use capacity is limited and biodegradability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using vegetable oil-based polymers with specific functional groups (carboxylic, hydroxyl) instead of traditional polypropylene or cellulose. This compositional change enables both high oil absorption capacity and multiple re-use cycles while maintaining biodegradability, directly resolving the contradiction between absorption quantity and reliability of re-use
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system combining vegetable oil-derived polymers with specific additives and cross-linking agents. This composite structure provides enhanced oil absorption capacity through the polymer matrix while the composite nature enables structural stability for multiple re-uses and controlled biodegradation, simultaneously addressing all three requirements
2Quantity of substance
If polypropylene-based sorbents are used, then hydrocarbon absorption is achieved, but compatibility with aqueous and aggressive liquids is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters by selecting vegetable oil-based polymers with specific functional groups (carboxylic, hydroxyl, ester) that provide chemical compatibility with both hydrocarbons and aqueous/aggressive liquids. This parameter change enables the material to absorb hydrocarbons effectively while being compatible with a broader range of liquids including acids, bases, and oxidizers, thus resolving the contradiction between absorption capacity and adaptability
3Ease of operation
If conventional absorbent materials are used, then spill containment is provided, but environmental impact from disposal is negative
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by creating a biodegradable absorbent material that can be safely disposed of after use. The vegetable oil-based polymer structure is designed to decompose naturally, eliminating the environmental harm associated with disposing of traditional non-biodegradable absorbents like polypropylene, while maintaining effective spill containment capability during its service life
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of disposal into a benefit by designing the polymer structure to be biodegradable. What would traditionally be a harmful disposal issue becomes an environmental advantage, as the material breaks down naturally after use, transforming the disposal problem into a sustainable solution that maintains spill containment effectiveness
4Quantity of substance
If existing absorbent products are used, then oil absorption is achieved, but absorption capacity per volume is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the absorbent material by using vegetable oil-based polymers with optimized molecular structure and porosity. These parameter changes enable the material to achieve higher oil absorption capacity per unit volume compared to traditional materials, effectively resolving the contradiction between absorption capacity and volume occupied
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The polymer achieves high and stable hydrophobic performance with enhanced absorption capacity, allowing for 10-20 re-use cycles and effective containment of spills, with the added benefit of being biodegradable and reusable, reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
capillary hydrophobic polymer
Implementation Method 2
adsorb and absorbs oil, hydrocarbons and chemical products
Implementation Method 3
hydrophobic polymer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an adsorbent and absorbent capillary hydrophobic polymer and to the related process for producing it; more particularly, this invention relates to a polymer derived from natural and synthetic oily substances, able to contain, remove and recover oil, hydrocarbons and chemical products of non-aqueous matrix in the event of spills or leaks of them inside or outside water.