A Magnetic Composite for Cleaning of Oil Spills on Water

The production of magnetic polymer composites for cleaning of oil spills on water is investigated. The polymer matrix consists of a biopolymer material (alkyd resin), which (maghemite, gamma-Fe2O3), which is is cured with TDI in the presence of a magnetic powder incorporated into the final polymer material in situ. Obtained polymer resins were characterized through magnetic force, AFM and WAXS/SAXS, showing that the proposed preparation technique leads to production of magnetic nanocomposites. Additionally, oil removal tests performed with polymer beads showed that the polymer product can be used to remove considerable amounts of oil from the surface of aqueous environments. In the best case, one part of the polymer product could be used to remove more than eight parts of oil from water.