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

Junaid Saleem, Zubair Khalid Baig Moghal, Gordon McKay

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

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 g/g and 85 g/g, 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.
Original languageEnglish
Article number135
Number of pages17
JournalPolymers
Volume16
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2024

Keywords

  • 3D structure
  • LDPE waste
  • Oil spill
  • Oil uptake
  • Plastic pollution
  • Sorbent

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