Here's hoping we don't see any more oil spills like the one last year in the Gulf of Mexico, but should one occur, a discovery by researchers at Case Western Reserve University may provide expert assistance. It's an ultra-lightweight sponge made of clay and a touch of high-grade plastic. The combination of the two materials manages to draw oil out of contaminated water while leaving the fresh water behind.

David Schiraldi, PhD, professor and chair of the university's macromolecular science and engineering department, came up with the idea of the low-density, foam-like sponge a few years ago while conducting experiments on clays and polymers. Now Schiraldi is advancing the capabilities of Aeroclay(r), which is created by mixing clay, polymer and water in a blender and then freeze-drying it; the material can float on water and soak up oil, which can then be squeezed out of the sponge.

Last year, Aeroclay, Inc. was formed as an Ohio C Corporation, licensing the underlying intellectual properties from Case. A staff of five, including Schiraldi, is developing and marketing the product for a variety of functions: packaging, insulation and absorption.

A YouTube video offers a small-scale example of how the composite sponge can absorb oil, but Schiraldi and his team believe Aeroclay could be highly effective in cleaning up a major spill. "I'd like to make sure it is in place to help out in case of a future oil disaster," Schiraldi says.


SOURCE: David Schiraldi
WRITER: Diane DiPiero