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Materials can be said to fall into two broad categories - hydrophyllic (they like to get wet with water) and oleophilic (they like to get wet with oil). To clean an oil spill you need a material that likes to get wet with oil, doesn't like to get wet with water and floats in either material. Hay, cellulose, some plastics and many other materials meet these criteria.
Part of the trouble with these materials is that they can start out as good oil absorbers but pick up a lot of crud with the oil that makes it sink. In addition the material has to be put into the oily re in a form that allows easily removable when it reaches its capacity.
What else can I help you with?
What materials absorb oil?
Hay or kitty litter would probably work.
Why does BP not use hay to absorb oil in the Gulf?
It's an interesting idea. It looked good on a small scale. It would have to be shown to be better than the skimmers they are currently working. I'm not sure that oil soaked hay is that easy to pick up in open waters.
Can gauze absorb oil?
Yes, gauze can absorb oil to some extent. However, gauze may not be as effective as materials specifically designed to absorb oil, such as oil-absorbent pads or materials like kitty litter.
Can salt absorb oil?
Sodium chloride is hygroscopic, absorb water.
How do you absorb oil?
With talcum powder
How do cotton balls soak up oil?
Yes, it does absorb oil but not as well as a sponge or hair. If you need to absorb oil with cotton balls you will need to get lots and lots of them.
How do you clean the oil spills with bactirea?
The bacteria die and absorb the oil.
Do brake shoes absorb oil?
Yes
Does kittty litter absorb oil Why or why not?
I think it can
Can brake linings absorb oil?
Yes
What additive is added to lubricating oil to help the oil to absorb water?
Emulsifier
What could do to help the oil spill?
using hay to clean it up.
