Matrix Surface Research Articles

Effect of Selenium on Dissolution of Manganese Sulfide Inclusions in Stainless Steel

The pit initiation sites for commercial stainless steels have been attributed to sulfide inclusions such as MnS. The chemical composition of the inclusions affects the pitting corrosion resistance of stainless steels.1,2 It is known that the inclusion solubility in aqueous solutions affects pitting corrosion resistance. The dissolution of sulfide inclusions produces S species and exposes the bare surface of the steel matrix, resulting in high pitting susceptibility near the inclusions. Selenium is known to improve the machinability of stainless steels. However, the effect of selenium on the dissolution and pit initiation of MnS inclusions in stainless steels remains unclear. In this study, a microelectrochemical technique was applied to analyze the effect of Se on the dissolution and pit initiation of MnS inclusions in stainless steels.Two re-sulfurized stainless steels were prepared by vacuum induction melting: one was Se-free, and the other was Se-added. The specimens were heat-treated at 1373 K for 30 min and quenched in water. After heat treatment, the specimens were polished with 1 µm diamond paste. Polarization curves were measured in 0.1 M NaCl and 0.1 M Na2SO4. An optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy system were used to capture images of the specimen surfaces.

TiO2-kaolinite composite photocatalyst for industrial organic waste decontamination

The industrially feasible TiO2-clay based photocatalysts are essential to overcome the practical barriers that are intrinsic to currently available clay-based photocatalysts. The present study demonstrates the fabrication of heterogeneous photocatalyst consisting of TiO2 and kaolinite (TKCP) that has shown improved catalytic activity and strength, ensuring industrial viable photocatalyst. TKCP is prepared via an economical method, employing mechanical compression and dehydroxylation, forming TiO2-clay hybrid matrix. Amount of clay primarily determines mechanical strength and photocatalytic efficiency of TKCP where TKCP with the lowest clay percentage results in a homogeneous matrix that consists of tiny TiO2 particles embedded clay sheet-like structure. The TiO2 particles embedded clay sheet-like structure is responsible for the high specific surface area and small pore size, increasing the active surface that is available for effective disintegration of organic contaminants. By increasing clay fraction in TKCP, a significant increase in surface defects can be observed due to large clay fragments and TiO2 agglomerates, which results in flexural strength and catalytic activity decrease. Methylene blue degradation on TKCP with the maximum TiO2 percentage results in the highest pseudo first-order rate constant of 0.58 h−1, exhibiting improved photocatalytic activity due to well-organized matrix and high specific surface area (82.79 m2 g−1). TKCP can be obtained in variable sizes and shapes that ensure dynamic wastewater treatment applications.

Performance Optimization of Ionic Polymer Sensors through Characteristic Regulation of Chemically Prepared Interfacial Electrodes.

Ionic polymer sensors (IPSs) have broad application prospects in health monitoring, environmental perception, and human-computer interaction. The performance of IPSs with chemically prepared electrodes is generally superior to that with physically prepared electrodes due to the area difference of the electric double layer (EDL), but the effects of the electrode characteristics prepared by chemical methods on the performance of IPSs have not been revealed. Therefore, in this paper, we studied the impact of the characteristics of chemically prepared electrodes on the performance of IPSs and realized the performance optimization of IPSs through electrode characteristic regulation. By controlling the matrix surface roughening, immersion reduction plating (IRP) cycles, and electroplating (EP) time, the sensing performances of IPS samples with different electrode interface roughnesses, electrode penetration depths, and surface resistances were investigated, respectively. The experimental results indicated that the response voltage of the IPS can be improved by increasing the electrode interface roughness and the electrode penetration depth and reducing the surface resistance. In addition, we have proven that the sensing performance of the IPS is determined by its intrinsic capacitance characteristics. Through coupling electrode characteristic regulations such as roughening and increasing IRP cycles and EP time, a high-performance IPS was obtained, and its response amplitude was improved by 237.8%. The obtained high-performance sensor has been applied in human motion detection, which has good potential to develop wearable devices with high stability for physiological activity monitoring.

Novel evolution of gamma irradiated PVP/Cu–Ag nanocomposite for dye polluted water treatment

A novel polyvinylpyrrolidone/copper–silver (PVP/Cu–Ag) nanocomposite was synthesized via aqueous solution reduction and gamma radiation techniques for the treatment of methylene blue dye (MB) polluted water as a common organic dye pollutant in wastewater which is harmful to human health and aquatic life. Different analyses were used for the characterization of the synthesized Cu–Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and PVP/Cu–Ag nanocomposites such as XRD, TEM, DLS, FTIR, EDX, and TGA The XRD results indicated the typical peaks of CuNPs and AgNPs and the formation of pure crystalline nanoparticles in addition to their corresponding peaks were noticed in the PVP/Cu–Ag nanocomposite. Results of FTIR for the PVP/Cu–Ag nanocomposite confirmed the successful interaction between Cu–Ag NPs and PVP chains. The SEM of the PVP/Cu–Ag nanocomposite appeared rough and dense porous surface with white spots of Cu–Ag nanoparticles that dispersed homogeneously all over the surface of the PVP matrix. The effect of the dose of gamma radiation on the gelation and swelling of PVP hydrogel and PVP/Cu–Ag nanocomposite was studied. Using 15 kGy, the gel content of 89% and 97.1% for PVP and PVP/Cu–Ag, respectively. The swelling degree of PVP/Cu–Ag nanocomposite shows pH dependence and the maximum swelling was at pH 6. The point of zero charge (pHpzc) of PVP/Cu–Ag nanocomposite was 5.8. The factors affecting the removal of MB dye were evaluated as the effect of reaction time, dosage, temperature, pH, and dye concentration. The PVP/Cu–Ag nanocomposite shows fast adsorption of MB dye with a removal percentage of 95% after 50 min, at pH 8, 200 mg/L dye concentration, and 0.1 g nanocomposite dosage. Based on the kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic studies, it was found that the adsorption of MB dye onto PVP/Cu–Ag nanocomposite fitted to the Pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model and the reaction was an endothermic, spontaneous, and chemisorption. The fast removal of the dye using the PVP/Cu–Ag nanocomposite confirms its possible use in wastewater treatment applications as an effective adsorbent for dye treatment.

Reformation of coal reservoirs by microorganisms and its significance in CBM exploitation

The study investigates the variations in surface morphology and micro-nano-scale pore structure of coal matrix during the process of biodegradation. Comprehensive reservoir characterization techniques, including field emission scanning electron microscope, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and low-temperature N2 adsorption, are employed on four anthracite samples. The significance of the relationship between coal reservoir bio-reformation and coalbed methane (CBM) exploitation is proposed. The main findings indicate that organic matter on the surface of the coal matrix can undergo biodegradation, resulting in the generation of new pores. Microbial metabolism does not alter pore type but only modifies pore size and volume of coal. After microbial degradation, there is an increase in average pore width, while both Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda pore volume decrease. Furthermore, bioconversion leads to a reduction in both surface and volume dimensions of coal, resulting in a smoother coal matrix surface and simplified complexity of its pore structure. This benefits desorption, migration, and exploitation of CBM. These findings further reinforce the pivotal role of microbial-enhanced coalbed methane production technology in improving CBM production and promoting the clean utilization of coal resources.

Hydrothermal carbonisation of polyvinyl chloride in ethanol-water/water system for solid fuels: Dechlorination, characteristics analysis of hydrochar, and reaction path

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waste plastic is a typical solid waste. In this paper, the dechlorination and carbonization behavior of PVC in ethanol-water/water system under different process parameters (temperature, residence time, solid-liquid ratio) was studied, and hydrothermal carbon was characterized by SEM, elemental analysis, TG-DTG, XPS, Py-GC/MS. The results show that temperature is the key to the hydrothermal dechlorination of PVC, and the dechlorination efficiency of PVC is the highest by parameter optimization (220°C-90 min-10% S/D-80% E/D), which can reach 96.33 %. With the removal of Cl, the surface of the PVC matrix changed from full and smooth flocculent to honeycomb with uniform pore size distribution. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the combustion of hydrochar can be divided into three stages: HCl precipitation and volatile combustion, semi-coke and coke combustion, and fixed carbon combustion. The combustion parameters and kinetic parameters of hydrochar were measured, and it was found that the hydrothermal carbonization of PVC at higher temperatures and ethanol-water ratio could improve the combustion performance of hydrochar. The highest calorific value can reach 36.68 MJ/mol. Py-GC/MS analyzed the distribution of the pyrolysis products, and alkylbenzene and aliphatic were the main products of pyrolysis. The structural analysis of hydrochar showed that C–C and CC accounted for the largest proportion, accompanied by a small amount of C–O and CO and trace C–Cl. The possible reaction mechanism of the hydrothermal carbonization of PVC was analyzed based on the distribution of functional groups and compound composition. This work provides an effective and sustainable method for the recycling of refractory chlorinated plastics.

Leucine-Rich Repeat Containing 15-Mediated Cell Adhesion Is Essential for Integrin Signaling in TGF-β1-Induced PDL Fibroblastic Differentiation.

Human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) cultured from periodontal ligament (PDL) tissue contain postnatal stem cells that can be differentiated into PDL fibroblasts. We obtained PDL fibroblasts from hPDLCs by treatment with low concentrations of TGF-β1. Since the extracellular matrix and cell surface molecules play an important role in differentiation, we had previously developed a series of monoclonal antibodies against PDL fibroblast-specific cell surface molecules. One of these, the anti-PDL51 antibody, recognized a protein that was significantly upregulated in TGF-β1-induced PDL fibroblasts and highly accumulated in the PDL region of the tooth root. Mass spectrometry revealed that the antigen recognized by the anti-PDL51 antibody was leucine-rich repeat containing 15 (LRRC15), and this antibody specifically recognized the extracellular glycosylated moiety of LRRC15. Experiments presented here show that as fibroblastic differentiation progresses, increased amounts of LRRC15 localized at the cell surface and membrane. Inhibition of LRRC15 by siRNA-mediated depletion and by antibody blocking resulted in downregulation of the representative PDL fibroblastic markers. Moreover, following LRRC15 inhibition, the directed and elongated cell phenotypes disappeared, and the long processes of the end of the cell body were no longer found. Through a specific interaction between integrin β1 and LRRC15, the focal adhesion kinase signaling pathway was activated in PDL fibroblasts. Furthermore, it was shown that increased LRRC15 was important for the activation of the integrin-mediated cell adhesion signal pathway for regulation of cellular functions, including fibroblastic differentiation, proliferation, and cell migration arising from the expression of PDL-related genes in TGF-β1-induced PDL fibroblastic differentiation.

Evaluation of Ca-alloyed and HAp-reinforced magnesium matrix surface composite properties developed by friction stir processing

ABSTRACT The objective of this study is to fabricate AZ31 surface composites (MMSC) through friction stir processing (FSP) by introducing calcium (Ca) as an alloying element and hydroxyapatite (HAp) as reinforcement in different proportions. The analysis reveals that the β-Mg17Al12 phase remains more stable in its as-fabricated state, while the Mg2Ca phase exhibits greater stability during the aging period. The addition of Ca and HAp leads to higher Mg2Ca and Ca3Mg4Al5 formation during aging process. The incorporation of Ca and HAp results in an increased elastic modulus (E) of the as-fabricated MMSC in comparison to AZ31, with no significant degradation observed following the aging process. The hardness of MMSCs increases with the increase in β-Mg17Al12, and Mg2Ca phases. Moreover, the incorporation of Ca and HAp results in enhanced corrosion resistance of the as-fabricated MMSCs in comparison to AZ31.

Author Correction: Recent Advances in Magnesium-Based Metal Matrix Surface Composites Developed via Friction Stir Processing Route—An Overview

Author Correction: Recent Advances in Magnesium-Based Metal Matrix Surface Composites Developed via Friction Stir Processing Route—An Overview

Effect of Ti3C2Tx MXenes on tribological and rheological properties of greases

As a two-dimensional nanomaterial, Ti3C2Tx MXenes can form a stable friction protective film on the matrix surface, which can effectively improve the anti-friction and anti-wear properties of grease under variable load, variable frequency, variable temperature and constant conditions. In this work, the friction coefficient and wear rate of the grease doped with 2 wt% Ti3C2Tx are 27% and 56% lower than those of the base grease under the friction conditions of 50 °C, 100 N and 20 Hz, respectively. The grease doped with 2 wt% Ti3C2Tx can withstand greater stress and its structure is more stable, which is proved by rheological tests.

Novel approach to enhance the optical and electrical properties of polymer electrolytes using phenol red dye

AbstractThis article comprehensively analyzes how phenol red dye affects the optical, structural, and electrical properties of sodium bromide‐doped polymer electrolyte films based on sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Conventional solution casting technique has been employed to prepare the electrolytes. The optical analysis reveals that incorporating the phenol red dye improves the optical properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is used to study the kind of complexation between the polymer and dopants. Scanning electron microscope micrographs of the electrolytes indicate the acquisition of free volume on the surface of the polymer matrix. The electrical properties are studied using impedance analyzer, which shows that the ionic conductivity increases when the dye is incorporated. The electrolyte system incorporated with 0.25 wt% of the dye exhibits the highest conductivity among the other systems. Photoluminescence investigation demonstrates that doping increases the intensity of the photoluminescence emission as it minimizes the free volume size. Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) chromatograph studies indicate that the doped samples emit a yellow color with a color purity of 97%. All in all, the findings imply that adding dye to the polymer matrix increases the electrical and visual characteristics of the polymer electrolyte.Highlights Phenol red dye improves the optical properties of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose‐based polymer electrolytes. Scanning electron microscope micrographs reveal the creation of free volume on the surface of electrolyte films. Analysis of electrical properties shows a slight increase in ionic conductivity with dye incorporation. Photoluminescence intensity increases with dye due to reduced free volume size. Doped samples emit 97% purity yellow enhancing electrical and optical properties.

Reactive molecular dynamics study on carbon steel corrosion induced by chloride: Effects of applied potential and temperature

The corrosion and oxidation mechanisms of steel in chloride-contaminated environment were studied through the utilization of reactive molecular dynamics simulations with self-developed force fields under various applied electric fields and temperatures. The impact of variations in the external electric field on the thickness of the oxide layer and the dissolution of iron during the corrosion reaction process was scrutinized. The results reveal that under an electric field strength of 10 MV/cm, marginal corrosion was observed within the iron matrix during the simulation period. The surface lattice of the iron matrix retained a relatively intact and regular arrangement. However, under alternative external electric field conditions, as the strength of the external electric field increased, the corrosion behavior of iron in chloride ion solutions became increasingly severe, leading to deeper oxidation levels. Additionally, localized pitting on the iron matrix surface gradually evolved into larger corroded spots. Simulation results within the temperature range studied (278 K, 298 K, 318 K) suggest that temperature elevation amplifies the thermodynamic energy of chemical reactions on the iron surface, consequently leading to a reduction in the bond strength of Fe-O and increase in the corrosion extent.

Characteristics and potential of a novel inclined-flow stirling regenerator constructed by sinusoidal corrugated channels

The characteristics of the regenerator significantly impact the overall performance of Stirling engines. To improve heat and mass transfer characteristics of the regenerator and enhance the heat-to-work conversion potential of Stirling engines, this study introduced a novel design concept of inclined-flow regenerators, where the matrix surface is inclined to the gas flow direction. For the first time, a sinusoidal corrugated-channel regenerator, constructed by corrugated structures, was designed based on this concept. The heat and mass transfer characteristics of this type of regenerator in oscillating flows, along with the heat-to-work conversion performance of the engine, were investigated at both component and system levels and compared with the cross-flow and parallel-flow regenerators. The results demonstrate that the proposed sinusoidal corrugated-channel regenerator exhibits well-balanced heat and mass transfer performance. Compared to cross-flow regenerators, the engine equipped with sinusoidal corrugated-channel regenerators achieves a maximum increase of 210 % in output power and 39 % in thermal efficiency. Compared to parallel-flow regenerators, it shows a slight decrease of 3 % in output power but an increase of 102 % in thermal efficiency. These findings confirm the feasibility of the proposed design concept of inclined-flow regenerators and the corresponding sinusoidal corrugated-channel regenerator in enhancing the overall performance of Stirling engines.

Hydraulic characterization of earthworm macropore surfaces using miniaturized infiltration data

Water repellency related to organic matter (OM) of coatings along the earthworm burrows (EB) walls can facilitate preferential flow due to limiting the water exchange with the soil matrix. The objectives of this work were (i) to characterize the hydraulic behavior of EB wall and the surrounding matrix using a miniaturized infiltrometer; (ii) to compare standard infiltration analyses with BEST-WR algorithm; and (iii) to determine the local spatial distribution of water repellency at the EB wall surface in relation to that of the OM composition. Infiltration experiments were carried out on intact sample surfaces, including the EB wall and the surrounding matrix. Soil samples were collected from Bt and C horizons in a characteristic Haplic Luvisol. Hydraulic conductivity (K) at different water pressure heads (h) and water and ethanol sorptivity (Sw and Se, respectively), water repellency index (RI) and water repellency cessation time (WRCT) were determined from infiltration data. The adapted Beerkan Estimation of Soil Transfer parameters (BEST) algorithm for water-repellent soils (BEST-WR) was used for analysing infiltration data. The potential water repellency index (PWRI), relating C-H with CO functional groups in OM, was determined at the same locations using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy. Lower values of K and Sw in the coatings as compared to the soil matrix were found related to higher PWI values. Water repellency was also reflected in the shape of the cumulative infiltration curves and in the RI-values. The latter were significantly higher for EB as compared to matrix surfaces. The fittings provided by the BEST-WR algorithm characterizing the hydraulic properties of the macropore surfaces were comparable to those obtained with standard method. The tested methods could help to improve the estimation of parameters for macropore-matrix mass exchange in two-domain models.

Evolution of irradiation damage in tungsten matrix and Y2O3 phase after low energy helium plasma exposure

Tungsten is the preferred material for the first wall. In this paper, W-0.5 %wt Y2O3 was selected for the exposure test of helium plasma, so that fuzz tendrils of considerable thickness were formed on its surface. By using ultrasonic dispersion, the tendril dispersion was obtained and observed through TEM. The fuzz tendrils on the W matrix surface were seen to have a complete tungsten crystal structure, along with bubbles of different sizes. The outer layer of the tendril is composed of an amorphous material, which is visible on the surface of the fuzz tendril. This is likely due to the subsequent of helium plasma exposure damage. Fuzz tendrils only appeared on the W matrix, whereas Y2O3 particles created nano-protrusions and samll cracks on the surface. The nano-protrusion morphology and EDS analysis, including the lack of Y in fuzz tendrils, indicate that Y2O3 particles were unable to form a fuzzy structure. It is evident that the defects distribution of W matrix and Y2O3 particles is altered due to helium plasma exposure. Near the surface of Y2O3 particles, fewer but larger bubbles were observed, whereas further away, smaller but denser bubbles were seen. In W matrix, bubbles were formed at a deeper level and were larger than the deepest bubbles in Y2O3 particles, likely caused by the lower migration energy. The different responses of W matrix and Y2O3 particles to helium plasma exposure have combined to further reveal the potential of increasing the plasma exposure resistance of plasma-oriented tungsten based materials.

Linear Strain Sensors via a Spatial Heteromodulus Tricontinuous Structure Design for High-Resolution Recording of Snoring Breath.

Porous conductive elastomer composites are very attractive for designing flexible and air-permeable mechanical sensors for healthcare, while it is challenging to achieve a linear and sensitive electromechanical response over a wide strain range for high-resolution recording of physiological activities and body motions. Here, a scalable strategy is developed to construct porous elastomer composites with a bamboo-shaped heteromodulus microstructure in the pores for the fabrication of linear stretchable strain sensors. Such a spatial heteromodulus microstructure is fabricated via phase separation and selective location of high-modulus phase during melt compounding of elastomers and thermoplastics, together with green etching of the water-soluble plastic in the tricontinuous elastomer composites. The bamboo-shaped heteromodulus microstructure is constructed on the pore struts via the fracture of a high-modulus polymer self-assembled on the pore surface and relaxation recovery of the elastomer matrix after prestretching, which blocks the propagation of cut-through microcracks upon stretching. The composites with super low resistance after in situ growth of silver nanoparticles sustain up to 110% tensile strain with a linear and sensitive electromechanical response, demonstrating potential applications in discriminating respiration status and monitoring snoring breath. This work unveils a new approach to fabricate high-performance air-permeable strain sensors in a simple and scalable way.

High-temperature stability of Cu–20Si alloy-corundum ceramic composite thermal storage materials

High-temperature stable thermal storage materials are urgently needed to meet the demand for solar thermal power generation. Herein, Cu–20Si alloy-corundum ceramic composite thermal storage materials are prepared. The thermal storage performance of the composite, and the erosion resistance of ceramic matrix to alloy are investigated during high-temperature (1000 °C) service for 1000 h. The results show that the latent heat of Cu–20Si alloy is increased by 130.76 % to 201.2 kJ/kg compared with the original. Meanwhile, the alloy forms a dense transition layer on the ceramic matrix surface by melting and spreading. Furthermore, the ceramic matrix shows superior erosion resistance to the alloy, owing to the dense structure of ceramic and no chemical reactions between the alloy and ceramic matrix. Finally, test results of long-time service confirm the stability of the composite, which can be used stably for high temperature thermal storage.

Designing sandwich-structured Ag–SnO2 contact materials: Overcoming the trade-off between erosion resistance and mechanical properties

Designing a second-phase enhancement system for SnO2 microstructures always plays a major role in improving the electrical contact performance of Ag–SnO2 contacts. This study fabricated sandwich-structure Ag–SnO2 contacts to overcome the trade-off between the erosion resistance and mechanical properties of Ag–SnO2 contacts via electrospinning with spark-plasma sintering; subsequently, the influence of SnO2 interlayers on the arc-erosion behaviour and mechanical characteristics of the contacts was investigated. The sandwich structure facilitated a reduction in the hill-and-valley morphology of the contact surface during repetitive erosion; fibrous SnO2 restricted the fluid evaporation of Ag, while SnO2 interlayers dispersed molten bridges, thereby improving the erosion resistance of the system. In parallel, 3D models of the sandwich-structured Ag–SnO2 contacts were reconstructed to investigate the evolution of their mechanical characteristics. Experimental and simulation indicated that the dispersion of stress concentration and reduction in surface deformation induced by the interface effect were the mechanical enhancement mechanisms, while the improvement of impact and wear resistances was attributed to the intensified support provided by the SnO2 interlayers on the matrix surface. Moreover, the synergistic interactions between Ag and SnO2 interlayers mitigated crack initiation and fracture propagation, thereby improving the fracture resistance of the contact matrix. These insights led to a feasible strategy for designing the microstructures of Ag-based contact materials.

Fortification of dietary fiber in cassava pulp by conversion of the remaining starch to resistant starch

A novel high-fiber product enriched with resistant starch type 3 (RS3) was successfully prepared from cassava pulp (CP). The remaining starch in CP underwent debranching and retrogradation processes to convert it to RS3. Pullulanase was used to debranch the starch in CP at 55 °C for 24 h, followed by incubation at 4 °C for various retrogradation time intervals: 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. Retrogradation of the debranched starch in CP for 24 h resulted in a significant formation of RS3 (11.8 %) with heat stability. Additionally, the total dietary fiber content of the obtained product increased from 47.4 % to 59.4 %. Structural analysis revealed the presence of small irregularly shaped and sponge-like particles of retrograded, debranched starch on the fiber matrix surface. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the CP revealed the presence of cassava starch (A-type) and cellulose (type I) crystals. After debranching and retrogradation, the crystalline structure transitioned to the B-type. The novel products showed higher lightness and whiteness index compared to CP. The gel of cooked products had a firm texture and a homogenous appearance. The functional properties of the obtained product demonstrated significant differences compared to CP. It exhibited enhanced water-holding capacity (10.2 g/g), oil-holding capacity (6.3 g/g), and swelling capacity (17.7 mL/g). Moreover, the product had a lower bulk density (0.13 g/mL) than the original CP. This innovative approach enhances CP's nutritional and functional qualities, offering potential for healthier, more functional food products.

Three-dimensional hydrophobic melamine@methyl trichlorosilane/polydimethylsiloxane sponge for consecutive and long-term oil/water separation

Herein, a melamine sponge is adopted as the skeleton to be modified by both methyl trichlorosilane (MTS) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) on the surface, fabricating the 3D porous Mel@MTS/PDMS sponge. Systemic investigations reveal that MTS self-assembles into many micro-nano particles to roughen the surface of the melamine matrix, thus greatly increasing its hydrophobicity. PDMS tightly anchors those MTS particles via forming a surface coating. Therefore, the resultant Mel@MTS/PDMS sponge exhibits the superior oil-adsorbed capacity, good hydrophobicity, and great structural and mechanical stability. Based on this Mel@MTS/PDMS sponge, a consecutive oil/water separation system is successfully built and induces the continuous recovery of oil under various simulated oil–water separation conditions. Obviously, this 3D hydrophobic Mel@MTS/PDMS sponge and corresponding consecutive oil/water separation device provide a promising application strategy in the leaked oil recovery and environmental purification.