Investigation on the Effect of Poly(butylmethacrylate)/attapulgite Nanocomposites for Oil Absorption

In this work, a series of novel polybutylmethacrylate (PBMA)/attapulgite (APT) were synthesized by suspended emulsion polymerization, using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as crosslinker. The nanocomposites were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of polymerization variables including amount of initiator, amount of crosslinker, and APT content on oil absorbency were investigated, and the swelling kinetics in toluene and chloroform was also systematically evaluated. The results indicated that incorporating 7 wt% APT into PBMA polymeric network could enhance the oil absorbency and oil absorption rate of the oil-absorbing resin. Furthermore, the developed nanocomposites also exhibited good reusability and oil-retention capabilities. The nanocomposites are expected to find practical applications in the recovery of spilled oils and the treatment of wastewater.