A team of researchers from across the globe, including those from Central South University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China, and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel, have developed a groundbreaking method for cleaning up oil spills using laser-treated cork. This innovative approach is particularly appealing due to its focus on sustainability and minimal environmental impact.
The discovery came about somewhat unexpectedly. While conducting a separate laser experiment published in Applied Physics Letters by the American Institute of Physics (AIP), the researchers observed a remarkable change in the properties of cork treated with lasers. The treated cork became superhydrophobic (water-repellent) and superoleophilic (oil-attracting). Recognizing the potential of this discovery, combined with cork's inherent eco-friendly nature (renewable, recyclable), the team investigated its potential application in marine oil spill cleanup.
Through testing, the researchers confirmed that laser-treated cork effectively absorbs oil quickly and efficiently. The laser treatment enables the cork to heat up rapidly under sunlight, which in turn reduces the viscosity of the oil, making it easier to collect. Additionally, the treatment creates a rough surface that repels water while attracting oil. This allows for the oil to be extracted from the cork and potentially even reused. The researchers envision this method as a key component of a comprehensive oil spill recovery system, offering a significant advancement in the field of environmental remediation.
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36 w
seems like a great development
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Amazed at how science has become a major tool for innovations that contribute to advancement of cleaner energy sources
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Dear George Kariuki Your climate love has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to American Institute of Physics by email and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! To reach more people and increase the chance of a response, click the Share button above to share the review on your social accounts. For every new member that joins We Don't Have Time from your network, we will plant a tree and attribute it to you! /Varsa, We Don't Have Time
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36 w
Good development.This is a sigh of relieve on efforts to clean oil spill in our oceans and water bodies.
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This would mean so much for our oceans.. It is transformational
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This is a promising innovative solution. Further research is needed to unlock additional benefits and applications for this technology.
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@walter_lungayi yes, I agree with you
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This breakthrough could revolutionize how we approach marine oil spills and contribute to cleaner oceans.
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@johnte_ndeto The development of ocean cleanup technologies is a good to step in helping to fight against marine pollution.
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Kudos to the team for their ingenuity and commitment to environmental remediation.
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This is a great research, the team is absolutely doing a great job
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Very interesting!
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This approach is unique in its commitment to sustainability, making it a game-changer in the field of oil spill cleanup.