Preparation and characterization of composite fibrous membranes for oil spill cleanup

Abstract

In this study, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) electrospun fibrous membranes were manufactured and applied for oil spill cleanup. Two kinds of composite fibrous membranes composed of PAN electrospun fibrous membranes and polyethylene/polyethylene terephthalate (PE/PET) core-shell fiber nonwoven fabric were fabricated. The fibrous structure, mechanical properties and surface wettability for water and oil, as well as oil absorption capacities and dynamic oil retention of the membranes, were investigated in detail. The addition of nonwoven fabric significantly enhanced the tensile strength of the PAN fibrous membranes. The oil absorption mechanisms of different membranes were studied as well. The sandwich structure composite fibrous membranes exhibited excellent mechanical property and oil absorption capacity, making it a promising candidate for treatment of oily wastewater.