Optimizing Melamine Sponges Modified With Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles for Environmental and Industrial Applications
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT This study explored the development and characterizations of a lightweight, cost‐effective, and easily accessible titanium dioxide (TiO2)/melamine sponge with outstanding hydrophobicity, oil absorption/separation, flame retardancy, durability, and electromagnetic wave absorption capacities. Commercial melamine sponges were modified using the silane coupling agent and TiO2 nanoparticles via a solution‐immersion method. Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed the structural integrity and surface morphology with increased surface roughness and uniform distribution of TiO2 particles. The hydrophobicity of the TiO2/sponge was confirmed by contact angle measurements, showing a high value of 145°. The oil absorption capacity and separation efficiency were also quantified, with the modified sponges able to absorb oils at 70 to 120 times their weight while maintaining a separation efficiency above 95% even after 10 reuse cycles. Additionally, the TiO2/sponge exhibited excellent flame resistance, strong mechanical abrasion resistance, and stability in saline environments. Electromagnetic absorption tests over the 2–18 GHz range showed efficient absorption, with reflection loss values below −10 dB at higher frequencies for thicker sponges. These results suggest that TiO2/sponge composites provide multifaceted enhancements, making them suitable for various environmental and industrial applications, including oil spill management and electromagnetic radiation mitigation.
DOI: 10.1002/app.56661
Language: English
Subfield: Surfaces, Coatings and Films
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Funder: Guangdong Ocean University
OpenAlex ID: W4405850552