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Use of the glycerol by‐product of biodiesel to modify the surface of expanded vermiculite to produce an efficient oil absorbent
Author(s) -
de Araújo Medeiros Miguel,
de Oliveira Danielle Leite,
Sansiviero Maria T. C.,
Araújo Maria Helena,
Lago Rochel Montero
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of chemical technology and biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1097-4660
pISSN - 0268-2575
DOI - 10.1002/jctb.2309
Subject(s) - vermiculite , biodiesel , glycerol , diesel fuel , chemical engineering , materials science , biodiesel production , thermogravimetry , chemistry , pulp and paper industry , organic chemistry , catalysis , composite material , engineering
BACKGROUND: Glycerol (Gly) a by‐product from biodiesel production was impregnated onto the surface of expanded vermiculite (EV) and reacted to produce a highly efficient absorbent to remove oils spilt on water. RESULTS: Expanded vermiculite was impregnated with glycerol at EV/Gly ratios of 1/1, 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4, and treated at 380, 480, 580 or 700 °C. Electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, BET surface area, Hg porosimetry and Raman analyses indicated that residual NaOH from the biodiesel process catalyzed the polymerization of glycerol. At higher temperatures the polymer decomposed to form a carbon layer covering the EV surface. These materials were investigated for the removal of three different oils, i.e. diesel, soybean and engine oil spilt on water. CONCLUSION: This work showed that glycerol from biodiesel production can be used directly to produce a highly efficient absorbent to remediate oil spill accidents. The results obtained showed a remarkable increase on oil removal efficiency with a strong decrease on water absorption. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry