Foam compositions for selective recovery of oil spills and other applications

Abstract

A polymer composition for use in the removal and recovery of oil slicks or spills floating on the surfaces of bodies or water or present on land, such as beaches comprising a foam of a blend of polyethylene and an ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymer and a process for using such foams in the selective removal of oil from fresh water or salt water and the recovery of the absorbed oils from the foams is disclosed. The polymer composition is also for use in other applications in which absorption of liquids is desired.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of making a foam composition, comprising:
 (a) providing low-density polyethylene, an ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymer, and a chemical foaming agent;   (b) forming an open-cell foam using at least the components provided in step (a); and   (c) treating the foam to produce open cells at the surface of the foam.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the treating comprises puncturing a skin layer of the foam. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the treating comprises crushing the foam. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the crushing increases the number of open cells throughout the thickness of the foam. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the crushing opens cells at the surface of the foam. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the treating comprises removing a skin layer of the foam. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the treating comprises removing a skin layer of the foam to produce open cells at the surface of the foam and further comprises crushing the foam to increase the number of open cells throughout the foam. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein step (a) comprises providing an ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymer with a melt index of between 0.5 and 4 g/10 minutes. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymer comprises ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA). 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein step (b) comprises forming an open-cell foam having a density of 1.5 to 2.0 pounds per cubic foot.