Hybridization of Al2O3 microspheres and acrylic ester resins as a synergistic absorbent for selective oil and organic solvent absorption

In this study, we have focused on the synthesis, characterization, and oil absorption properties of Al2O3 microspheres/acrylic ester resin (AER) hybrids. The Al2O3 microspheres are prepared by a combined hydrothermal and sintering processes, followed by surface modification with silane coupling agent (KH 570). The Al2O3 microspheres/AER hybrids with a rough surface are synthesized by a microwave polymerization route by using modified Al2O3 microspheres as modifiers. In this hybrid materials system, the Al2O3 microspheres with porous structures may provide fast oil absorption due to the low oils absorption energy and short diffusion lengths. The resin hybrids exhibited reversible oils and organic solvents adsorption with maximum absorption capacities up to 29.85g/g. This study suggests potential environmental advantage in using metal oxide microspheres in improving the oil absorption properties of oil-absorbing resins as absorbents for recovering oil and organic solvent from water.