Capillary foams, methods of making thereof, and uses thereof including for mitigation of oil spills
US10934191B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 2016 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 27, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC02F2101/32
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods of making various capillary foams are provided. The foams can include liquid foams having a plurality of particles connected by a network of a secondary fluid at the interface between the discontinuous and continuous phase. The foams can also include solid foams where the continuous phases (bulk fluid) is removed to produce the solid foam having high overall porosities and low densities. Densities as low as 0.3 g cm−3 and porosities as high as 95% or higher can be achieved. The secondary fluid can be polymerized to further strengthen the solid foam. Methods and devices are also provided for oil recovery from water using a capillary foam. The methods can include forming a capillary foam wherein the oil is the secondary fluid, and wherein the foam can transport the oil to the surface of the water.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.