Biodegradable polylactic acid porous monoliths as effective oil sorbents

The ecological and environmental damage resulting from oil pollution is an area of great concern. Biocompatible porous monoliths based on polylactic acid (PLA) modified with reduced graphene oxide (rGPLA) as effective oil sorbent were prepared by freeze-drying. The porous monoliths were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Their physical properties including water contact angles, compressive strengths and moisture absorption were investigated. The incorporation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) increased the hydrophobicity of the rGPLA porous monoliths resulting in highly selective absorption for oil. In addition, the use of rGO increased the compressive strength of the porous monoliths so they could be recycled. These porous rGPLA monoliths are green biodegradable efficient absorbents that should be useful for the treatment of oil spills.