Formulation of wicking agent from polymer composites

Abstract

Composites of High Density Polythene, HDPE, and wood sawdust were harnessed in the formulation of wicking agents that could be employed in cleaning oil spills. The method used in compounding the composite of HDPE and various wood sawdust {Uvwero (Buchholzia coriacea), Akomu (Pycnanthus angolensis), Obeche (Triplochiton scleroxylon), Ugbarugba (Copaifera species), and Bombar (Bombax buonopozense)} was an extrusion method which was done at 200°C. The composite of High Density polythene (HDPE)/Akomu/Sand with a ratio of 4:4:1 gave the highest crude oil absorption of 82.16% while the composite of High Density Polythene/Akomu/Sand with a ratio of 5:1:3 gave the lowest oil absorption of 1.67%. The water test of the composite of High Density Polythene (HDPE)/Ugbarugba/Sand with a ratio of 2:6:1 gave the highest water absorption of 60.78% while the composite of High Density Polythene (HDPE)/Bombar/Sand with a ratio of 2:6:1 gave the lowest water absorption of 0.14%. Thus, the composite of High Density Polythene (HDPE)/Akomu/Sand with a ratio of 4:4:1 can serve as an effective medium for crude oil spill clean-up as it would absorb more crude oil than water.