Preparation and adsorption behavior investigation of polypropylene/organically modified saponite nanocomposites fiber membrane with strong oil-adsorption

To improve the adsorption and reusability of polypropylene (PP) fiber membranes, the organically modified saponite (Sap@P(St-co-MMA)) was prepared by solution polymerization. Furthermore, PP-based nanocomposite fiber membranes with strong oil adsorption, thermal stability, and reusability were prepared via melt-blown technology. The increased specific surface area of PP-based nanocomposite fiber membranes (PP-1.5%) provided more active sites for the oil adsorption. Simultaneous rheology and Fourier transform infrared measurements tests showed that Sap@P(St-co-MMA) enhanced the crystallinity of PP matrix, promoted the regular arrangement of molecules, and improved the intermolecular interaction force, which was beneficial for the oil adsorption. The adsorption of PP-1.5% (1.5 wt% addition of Sap@P(St-co-MMA)) fiber membrane for xylene and kerosene reached a maximum of 15.84 and 22.84 g g −1 , respectively. In the treatment of coal tar wastewater, the removal rate of oil can reach 62.9%, and the removal rate can still reach 51.17% after five cycles of experiments. In summary, PP-1.5% fiber membrane does not produce secondary pollution to the environment, and is a kind of oil removal material with good application prospect. Highlights PP-based nanocomposites fiber membrane with strong oil adsorption was prepared. Organically modified saponite had strong heterogenous nucleation for PP matrix. Sap@P(St-co-MMA) increased the specific surface area of PP-based fiber membrane.