Fabrication of recyclable carbonized asphalt‐melamine sponges with high oil‐absorption capability

Abstract BACKGROUND Selective absorption of oils by macroporous solid absorbents has been regarded as an easy, environment‐friendly and economical way to gather oils for oil–water separation, oil contamination cleanup and easy transport/storage. Cheap absorbent material with high oil‐absorption performance is a key factor to promote its large‐scale application. RESULTS Highly oil‐absorptive and water‐repellent carbonized asphalt‐melamine sponges ( AMS ) have been prepared via a dip‐coated sponge carbonization process, using deoiled asphalt ( DOA ) as dip‐coating reagent and melamine sponge ( MS ) as template. By the combination of DOA ‐derived surface modification and mild carbonization at 600°C, the AMS products obtained such key properties as low density, highly selective absorption of oils against water, flexibility, good fire‐resistance and thermal stability, and good recyclability. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that AMS can be a promising oil‐absorbent material applicable to oil pollution control on a water surface. Benefiting from both cheap raw materials and facile economical manufacturing process, the approach proposed can contribute to the mass manufacturing of cheap oil‐absorbent products with high oil‐absorption performance. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry