Reusable Modified Natural Rubber Foam for Petroleum-Based Liquid Removal

A new kind of natural rubber-based oil sorbent material was prepared by sulfur vulcanization system. Natural rubber (NR) foam was modified with poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) and poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) which were prepared by emulsion polymerization. The functionality of pure polyacrylate and modified NR foam were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Morphology of the modified NR foam was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The oil/water sorption capacity and reusability of modified NR foam were investigated. Sorption test of modified NR foam showed that the modified NR foam were efficiently removed petroleum-based liquid (viscosities of 0.49-37 cSt) such as gasohol, diesel, engine oil, xylene and toluene. The oil sorption capacity of modified NR foam was in the range of 5-16 g g(-1) and maintained oil sorption capacity over the range of 3-15 g g(-1) after 20 cycles of absorption. About 95% of foam can be recovered by squeezing or evaporating the oil or organic solvent within the modified NR foam. The results showed that the modified NR foams are promised as reusable oil sorbent.