Researchers at Perm National Research Polytechnic University have developed a rapid method to neutralize oil and petroleum spills. They created a system that enables on-site production of pollutant-absorbing materials, or sorbents, directly at the spill location. This development was reported by a scientific institution to socialbites.ca for public awareness.
The team has designed a compact generator capable of producing thermally expanded graphite, one of the most effective sorbents for gathering oil. A single gram of thermally expanded graphite can absorb up to 100 grams of petroleum products from both soil and water, making it a powerful tool in spill response.
The generator operates simply. It consists of a container with a pre-prepared mixture that can be delivered to the incident scene in a compact form. Operators can activate the device and collect the sorbent produced within a minute into a separate fabric container for containment.
From there, the sorbent is applied to the spill area, where worm-like graphite particles trap oil like a sponge. The collected oil can then be squeezed out for recovery. The researchers are finalizing the generator’s design and composition, and after completion they anticipate moving to production. This information comes from Andrey Myakshin, a student in the Department of Polymer Materials and Powder Technology at PNIPU, who conveyed the update to socialbites.ca.
PNIPU experts have tested several formulations combining fluoroplastic with graphite and additives such as magnesium, aluminum, and boron in varying ratios. The most effective mix has been identified as 1 part magnesium to 3 parts fluoroplastic and 3 parts graphite. This blend yields a cost-effective, easily ignitable, and reliably burning sorbent with strong absorbency properties.
In related research, Russian scientists have previously developed a perforated carbon foam capable of absorbing oil, highlighting ongoing progress in innovative sorbent materials and spill response technologies, as reported in recent scientific updates and industry publications. (Source: socialbites.ca)