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AuthorPonnamma D.
AuthorNair S.S.
AuthorParangusan H.
AuthorHassan M.K.
AuthorAdham S.
AuthorKarim A.
AuthorAl-Maadeed M.A.A.
Available date2022-02-27T09:30:35Z
Publication Date2020
Publication NamePolymers
ResourceScopus
Identifierhttp://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym12010004
URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10576/27462
AbstractIn this work, stable hydrophobic nanocomposites are made from electrospun fibers of polystyrene (PS) containing a hybrid filler combination of (i) hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and (ii) cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanomaterials. Good synergistic interaction is observed between the nanomaterials, since the growth of Co3O4 was carried out in presence of white graphene nanosheets. Filler synergy modifies the PS surfaces, by enhancing the filler-polymer interfacial interactions and provides good tensile strength. The hydrophobic films are gamma irradiated to improve crosslinking within the polymer nanocomposites. Since gamma irradiation enhances the surface roughness, its hydrophobicity/oleophilicity increases much and the final nanofibers show good oil-water separation efficiency. The nanofibers act as sponge clothing to skim the oil from a mixture of oil and water. Durability of the fibers in hot water and in presence of ultrasonic waves is also tested and good response is achieved. Contact angle studies are performed to investigate the surface properties and to check the influence of gamma irradiation on the surface wettability. The gamma-irradiated PS nanocomposite fiber shows a contact angle of 152° ± 2° compared to the 140° ± 1° of the neat PS fiber, evidencing the superhydrophobicity. Both the effects of crosslink density enhancement and hybrid filler distribution make the composite fibers stronger in oil absorption application even at higher operation temperatures. The fibers are reported to be robust and durable, in addition.
SponsorFunding: This publication is made possible by NPRP grant 10-0127-170269 from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation). The statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors. The publication of this article was funded by the Qatar National Library.
Languageen
PublisherMDPI AG
SubjectAbsorption
Contact angle
Crosslinking
Durability
Electrospinning
Fibers
Filled polymers
Fillers
Gamma rays
Graphene
Hydrophobicity
III-V semiconductors
Irradiation
Nanocomposite films
Nanocomposites
Nanofibers
Polymer films
Polystyrenes
Surface roughness
Tensile strength
Ultrasonic testing
Cross-link densities
Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN)
Interfacial interaction
Oil absorbent
Operation temperature
Polymer nanocomposite
Polystyrene nanofibers
Synergistic interaction
Cobalt compounds
TitleWhite graphene-cobalt oxide hybrid filler reinforced polystyrene nanofibers for selective oil absorption
TypeArticle
Issue Number1
Volume Number12
dc.accessType Open Access


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