Process and recovery of low-density aerogel as an oil absorption material

In order to enhance economical performances and reduce the potential secondary pollutions of oil adsorption materials in application, a new low-density aerogel composite felt material was developed using the sol-gel method and CO₂ super critical drying process, with ethyl silicate as raw material, ethanol and water as solvents, sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide as catalysts, and polyester fiber as base material. The composite felt was characterized by FTIR and SEM with the oil absorption percentage, oil retention percentage, oil absorption rate and recovery method analyzed. Experimental results show that the composite felt material features high oil absorption percentage and rate, and it is much superior to traditional oil absorption materials in oil/water selectivity and oil-retention capacity under pressures. Moreover, with the supercritical CO₂ drying process, wasted oil can be recycled and the aerogel composite felt material can be regenerated. Combined with the supercritical drying technique, this innovative material may provide a new, efficient and pollution-free method for waste oil recovery and treatment.