Researchers at the US Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have developed a foam that can clean up oil and diesel spills in water. The Oleo Sponge is infused with a hard layer of "primer", which helps the foam grab oil not just from the surface but throughout the water column. In tests on water, the sponge was able to remove about half as much oil per gallon than other methods used by scientists for cleaning oil. As well as cleaning up oil spills, the sponge could also be used to clean ports and harbours.
Researchers at the US Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have developed a foam that can clean up oil and diesel spills in water. The Oleo Sponge is infused with a hard layer of "primer", which helps the foam grab oil not just from the surface but throughout the water column. The sponge, made from common polyurethane foam, which is used in furniture and insulation, can be reused and the oil collected can be recovered. As well as cleaning up oil spills, the sponge could also be used to clean ports and harbours.