Oil Absorbing Polymer Changing the way environmental scientists approach oil spills! email to friend
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Sprinkle a small amount of this polymer onto the layer of oil and in seconds the polymer bonds to the oil, forming a sponge-like material that can be easily removed from the jar of water. This polymer is specially formulated to bond quickly and safely to many types of liquid hydrocarbons including crude oil, diesel fuel and gasoline. The bonding is so complete that it literally encapsulates the liquid hydrocarbons in just seconds.

How does it work?

The chemical formulation of the polymer is carefully regarded as a trade secret and is under application for patent. However, the inventor agreed to share some limited information about the polymer for educational purposes. The hydrocarbon source (crude oil, diesel fuel, gasoline, etc.) consists of three basic components: Paraffinics, naptinics, and the aromatics. The polymer is specifically formulated to bond to these components. The mechanism is three dimensional with cross-link bonding, and the polymer structures are referred to as dieblock, triblock, branched, radial, and liner, according to the manufacturer.

When the polymer comes in contact with a liquid hydrocarbon, the free hydrocarbons bond to the polymer forming a solid mass. The hydrophobic properties of the polymer cause it to float on water, but the density of the polymer is great enough to allow it to sink through the hydrocarbon and maximize the bonding potential. There is no need for mixing since the polymer bonds to the free hydrocarbons automatically.

Enviro-Bond 403 Polymer is also used in treating oily sludge, effectively filtering oil drilling fluids, and stabilizing any other spilled or leaked liquid hydrocarbons that pose a threat to the environment.

Additional Info

Oil is a major source of ground water contamination and ocean pollution. The vast majority of this oil enters the ocean from oil spills on ships that transport petroleum or from manufacturing operations on land. However, oil can also seep into the ocean naturally from cracks in the sea floor. Oil well and oil tanker accidents at sea account for a small portion of ocean oil pollution. Yet, the lasting effects of these accidental spills can be disastrous.

A personal note from Steve Spangler...
Enviro-Bond 403 Oil Polymer was the invention of a great person in Michigan by the name of Larry Thompson. I first met Larry while researching other kinds of superabsorbent polymers in 1992. I often share the inspirational story of how Larry invented this polymer during my teacher workshops and keynote speeches. Larry was truly passionate about his discoveries and did everything possible to encourage children to better understand the world of chemistry.

Larry Thompson passed away in March of 2004 from a rapid spreading cancer in his liver and pancreas. Up until the last few days of his life, Larry was sending emails and talking with people on the phone about the benefits of his oil absorbing polymers. I recently spoke at the National Honors Society national convention in Florida. After the presentation, a ninth grade girl came up to me and said, "I don't think that I'll ever be as good a scientist as that man who invented the oil polymer, but I can only hope that I make a discovery that helps the world as much as his did." I shared this with Larry in our last email correspondence. He will be greatly missed.
-- Steve Spangler