Purdue University researchers have found a way to separate oil and other contaminants from water using materials you can find around the house. The discovery may lead to way to clean up environmental spills.
The scientists take melamine sponges similar to those found in cleaning pads or insulation then dip them into a solution of silicone rubber and hexane solvent. That creates a thin coating that repels water, and at the same time allows the sponges to absorb materials like oil, hydrocarbons, PCBs and some pesticides.
One of the researchers, Justin Weibel, says he's hopeful the discovery will lead to bigger things, such as industrial uses.
“This is just the seedling in terms of the material technology, and it really needs a lot of other things developed around it," Weibel says. "Taking this material, it enables us to think about what is the best way to create larger devices.”
The researchers say the sponges have been proven to absorb between 45 and 75 times their own weight.