Polymethacrylate-based Fiber Containing an Interpenetrating Polymer Network and Its Use for Oil Absorption

Poly(BMA-co-HEMA) was synthesized via suspension polymerization using butyl methacrylate (BMA) and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) as monomers. Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) was used as an initiator, and a mixture was then prepared by mixing the poly(BMA-co-HEMA) with the solution of HEMA and BPO in a container. When the mixture melted in a co-rotating twin screw extruder, the polymerization of HEMA was initiated by BPO. Then an interpenetrating polymer network between the poly(BMA-co-HEMA) and the produced PHEMA was built via hydrogen bonds, and the melt of the poly(BMA-co-HEMA) and the produced PHEMA was made into composite fiber via melt spinning. Oil-absorptive capacity of the composite fiber was characterized through oil absorbency, remaining ratio, and gel fraction. The results showed that the fiber had good insolubility in oily organic liquids, and its absorbency could reach 19.6 g tetrachloroethylene/1 g fiber and 12.3 g methylbenzene/1 g fiber. The influence of reactive extrusion temperature and post-treating on oil-absorptive capacity was also discussed. Crystallization behavior, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of the composite fiber were analyzed using X-ray diffractometer, thermogravimetric analyzer, and tensile strength tester. The morphology of the composite fiber was observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy.