3D Oleophilic Sorbent Films Based on Recycled Low-Density Polyethylene

Recycling low-end, one-time-use plastics-such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE)-is of paramount importance to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainability in the modern green economy. This study valorizes LDPE waste by transforming it into 3D oleophilic swellable thin films through a process...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polymers 2023-12, Vol.16 (1), p.135
Main Authors: Saleem, Junaid, Moghal, Zubair Khalid Baig, McKay, Gordon
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Density
Dielectric films
Glass substrates
Graphene
High density polyethylenes
Low density polyethylenes
Mechanical properties
Nonwoven fabrics
Oil spills
Phase separation
Plastics
Polyethylene
Polymers
Recycling
Sorbents
Structure
Thin films
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Summary:Recycling low-end, one-time-use plastics-such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE)-is of paramount importance to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainability in the modern green economy. This study valorizes LDPE waste by transforming it into 3D oleophilic swellable thin films through a process involving dissolution, phase separation, and extraction. These films are subsequently layered using a customized polypropylene (PP) based nonwoven fabric separator and securely sealed in a zigzag pattern. The zigzag-shaped seal enhances the adhesion of pollutants to the sorbent by providing wire curvatures that increase retention time and uptake capacity. As a result, the sorbent exhibits impressive oil uptake capacities, with immediate and equilibrium values of 120 / and 85 / , respectively. Notably, the as-prepared sorbent demonstrates low water retention and high selectivity for oil, outperforming commercially available oil sorbents. The unique design involving a 3D-film structure, superposed films, and a zigzag-shaped seal offers a sustainable and value-added solution to the issues of LDPE waste and oil spills on water surfaces.
ISSN:2073-4360
2073-4360
DOI:10.3390/polym16010135