Abstract
Abstract
In this work, oil sorption capacity of polypropylene (PP) fibers was improved through its surface graft polymerization, which was induced by high-energy ultraviolet radiation in isopropanol/water mixture solution. The modification was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope analyses. Factors such as homopolymerization, packing density, contact angle, specific surface area, and oil types were proposed and discussed to interpret the influence of grafting degree on the oil sorption capacity of modified PP fibers. Oil sorption capacity, retention performance, and reusability were also evaluated. When the grafting degree was 15.53%, the oil sorption capacity reached maximum. Oil retention of modified PP fibers was >70% (only ∼35% for the original PP fibers). After regenerated 10 times, the oil capacity of modified PP fibers for Boni and Nanjiang crude oil remained about 73.8% and 73.2%, respectively, which was two times higher than those of original PP fibers. Results indicated that modified PP fibers exhibited excellent oil sorption capability, fast saturation–sorption rate, and superior reusability. It could be an effective alternative to traditional oil sorption materials.
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