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2025

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Innovative Applications of Multifunctional Oil-Absorbent Materials

With advancements in modification technology, highly oil-absorbent silica with both antibacterial and biodegradable properties is being gradually developed


Highly oil-absorbent silica is a porous amorphous material produced through a specialized process. Its unique three-dimensional network structure, ultra-large surface area (up to 800-1200 m²/g), and rich hydrophobic group modification have made it a star product in the oil-absorbent material field, widely applicable to diverse applications such as industry, food processing, and environmental management.

Its oil-absorption performance stems from precise structural design. Through optimized preparation processes using vapor phase or precipitation methods, a mesoporous structure with pore sizes concentrated between 2 and 50 nm can be constructed. Combined with surface silanization modification and the introduction of hydrophobic groups such as methyl and phenyl groups, it can absorb up to 5-15 times its weight in various oils and fats (mineral, vegetable, and animal). After oil absorption, it forms a stable gel, which is less susceptible to secondary leakage.

In the industrial sector, it is a highly effective oil treatment agent. In mechanical processing, oil-absorbing cotton with 10%-15% super-absorbent silica can quickly absorb leaked cutting fluids, increasing its efficiency by 40% compared to traditional materials. In paint production, it acts as an anti-settling agent to absorb excess oil within the system, preventing craters and pinholes in the paint film.

In the food and cosmetics sectors, it offers advantages in both safety and oil absorption. In baked goods, it acts as an anti-caking agent to prevent oil seepage and a poor taste. In oil-control skincare products, adding 2%-3% nano-sized super-absorbent silica can continuously absorb excess oil on the skin surface, extending oil control to 6-8 hours.

In environmental management, it is a key material for emergency oil spill treatment. In water spills, hydrophobically modified super-absorbent silica quickly floats to the surface to absorb oil. After absorption, the oil can be separated from the material through incineration or recycling, resulting in treatment efficiency over three times higher than traditional oil-absorbing felt.​
With advancements in modification technology, highly oil-absorbent silica with both antibacterial and biodegradable properties is being gradually developed, further unlocking its potential for application in high-end manufacturing and environmental protection.