Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Kapok Fiber Using CeO2 and Octadecyltrimethoxysilane

A superhydrophobic CeO2-modified kapok fiber (SCMKF) was fabricated using CeO2 and octadecyltrimethoxysilane (OTMS) by a simple chemical deposition method. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron microscopy, and the wetting behavior of water and oil on the surface were conducted to confirm the formation of CeO2 nanoparticles and the combination of OTMS with the surface. The SCMKF had the superhydrophobicity and good sorption capacity. The contact angle of raw kapok fiber (RKF) was 114.7 degrees, however, that of SCMKF exceeded 150 degrees. Oil absorption capacities of SCMKF for diesel oil, soybean oil, and lubricating oil were 48.65, 58.17, and 62.57g/g, increased by 76.5%, 51.9%, and 51.9%, respectively, compared with RKF. Sorption of SCMKF could be well described by pseudo second-order kinetics. The SCMKF could reach the adsorption saturation within 3min. After eight cycles, the oil sorption capacities of SCMKF decreased, but they were still much higher than those of RKF. The SCMKF showed good performance in the separation of oil-water mixture. It is a promising material for cleaning oil spill.