High removal of chlorinated solvents by reusable polydimethylsiloxane based absorbents

SALEH MEDINA, L.M.; CANNEVA, ANTONELA; F.MOLINA; D´ACCORSO, N.; NEGRI, RICARDO MARTÍN

Polymer Engineering & Science

Wiley

Año: 2022 vol. 63 p. 366 - 378

Absorbent materials based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were prepared to absorb organic solvents for water treatment. Different particles (ZnO, MgSO4, ZnCl2 and NaHCO3) were first incorporated in PDMS and then removed by immersion in HCl (c) or water. The absorbent materials were characterized by TGA, mercury porosimetry, stress-strain curves, SEM, EDS, XPS, FTIR and water contact angle. The materials can absorb polar organic chlorinated solvents (carbon tetrachloride, dichloroethene, dichloromethane and chloroform) more than 4 times its own weight. Other solvents were also tested showing 2-3 times its own weight. Additionally, these materials show demulsification properties and absorption of oleophilic compounds. The reusability of the material makes them good candidates for remediation of polluted water.