A novel multi-wall carbon nanotubes/poly(n-butylacrylate-co-butyl methacrylate) hybrid resin: synthesis and oil/organic solvents absorption

A novel multi-wall carbon nanotubes/poly(n-butylacrylate-co-butyl methacrylate) hybrid resin (MWCNTs- PBABMA), which was further applied to absorb oils and organic solvents, was synthesized by using a combination of surface modification and suspension polymerization. Firstly, the surfaces of MWCNTs-COOH were modified and functionalized by silane coupling agent (KH 570) to enhance the surface reactivity. Then, the MWCNTs-PBABMA hybrid resin was synthesized by suspension polymerization. The oil absorption properties of the hybrid resin are investigated by varying the amount of surface modified carbon nanotubes, and the results indicated that the oil absorption properties of prepared MWCNTs-PBABMA hybrid resin could be improved by the addition of MWCNTs. Besides, the absorption properties of the MWCNTs-PBABMA hybrid resin for oils and organic solvents are 2.01-37.87 g/g, partly depending on the density and viscosity of the absorbate. The MWCNTs-PBABMA hybrid resins could be reused for oils absorption, at least four times, with a slight decline in their absorption properties. These results indicate that hybrid resins may potentially serve as oils absorbents for treatment of oily wastewater.