Methylsilicone-functionalized superhydrophobic polyurethane porous membranes as antifouling oil absorbents

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to fabricate porous polyurethane membranes that maintain oil absorption performance even when the surface is contaminated. The segmented polyurethane (SPU) films were prepared by the solvent casting method and the porous SPU membranes were prepared by electrospinning. A superhydrophobic methylsilicone network was formed both on the hydroxylated SPU (SPU−OH) film and membrane surfaces by condensation with methyltrichlorosilane. The morphological changes to the methylsilicone-network-coated SPU (SPU−OH−Si) were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The changes in the chemical components on the surface by the introduction of the methylsilicone network were confirmed by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the type of wettability of the surface was confirmed to be superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity on the SPU−OH−Si film or membrane by contact angle measurements. The self-cleaning performances of the prepared surfaces were confirmed using methylene blue, Oil Red O, and SiC adsorption tests. As a result, the SPU−OH−Si surface displayed excellent self-cleaning properties, as well as oil removal performance, in contaminated water. Furthermore, the oil absorption property was preserved even when the membrane was pre-contaminated with SiC particles.