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October 11, 2008 1:04:29 AM CDT



Oil-Slurping Nanotechnology Next Front in Fighting Spills

Posted Jun 4, 08 7:52 PM CDT in Science & Health Technology 

(Newser) – Cleaning up oil might soon get faster and cheaper, thanks to nanotechnology. Scientists at MIT have crafted a paper-like substance that can absorb up to 20 times its weight, the Economist reports. The mesh of nanowires, each 1/1,000th the diameter of a human hair, feels and looks like paper—and can repel water, making absorption of oil more efficient.

The water-repelling silicone coating would allow the mesh to be placed in water for months and then be removed completely dry. What's more, the mesh is stable when heated, so oil could be evaporated off after it's pulled from a spill area and the mesh could be re-used.

Source Economist

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An oil spill is seen from the air with the Bay Bridge in the background in San Francisco, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007.   (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
A mesh of nanowires that can absorb oil while keeping out water could make oil-spill cleanup much more efficient, the Economist reports.   (AP Photo)
MIT scientists have created a paper-like mesh of nanowires that could make oil-spill cleanup faster and more efficient.   (AP Photo)
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