Fabrication and properties of macrocellular modified natural rubber-poly (vinyl alcohol) foam for organic solvent/oil absorption

Abstract A novel macroporous material was fabricated at ambient temperature from maleate epoxidized natural rubber (MENR), and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), using modified cellulose (MC) as a cross-linker and blowing agent. The effects of differing MC contents on the physical properties, such as the moisture content, moisture absorption, swelling ratio, tensile strength, elongation at break and organic absorbency of solvents and oils of this novel macrocellular material were investigated. The density of the material was between 0.05 and 0.13 g/cm3 depending on the MC content. The optimal MC content was found to be 2%w/w which demonstrated the highest moisture content and moisture absorption due to the highly porous structure of the foam produced. The foams were applied as organic absorbents for solvents and oils and the highest adsorption capacities of approximately 9.0, 11.5, 12.0, 11.5, 12.0, and 14.0 g/g for methanol, toluene, gasohol, diesel, kerosene and petroleum respectively were produced by the blend containing 2 %w/w MC. Moreover, the material was found to be reusable as an absorbent over 30 absorption-squeeze cycles. The materials were also found to naturally degrade when buried in soil and would not therefore cause environmental pollution.