Preparation of nanoclay incorporated PAN fibers by electrospinning technique and its application for oil and organic solvent absorption

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn this work, polymer nanofibers (PAN/n-OMMT clay) were successfully produced by using an electrospinning process. The PAN/n-OMMT nanofibers were studied as an oil and solvent absorbent material due to their super hydrophobicity and super oleophilic properties. The generated composite nanofibers were found to have a very high oil and solvent absorption capacity in the case of 3% n-OMMT clay loading. It showed excellent absorption capacity up to 160 times its own weight for motor oil. The findings reported in this work might provide a fast and facile approach for the removal of oils and organic solvents on water surfaces.