Effect Of Treated Kapok Fiber On Aviation Oils Absorbency

Abstract

This project analyse the oil absorbency effect of treatment on kapok fiber with different types of aviation oil. Kapok fiber is a naturally renewable material with large lumen and hydrophobic characteristics, which enables it to show good oil sorption capacity. The treatment of kapok fiber is expected to increase oil absorbency capability. In this project, kapok fiber is chemically treated with several solvent with different concentration, number of cycles of sorption and time of oil absorbency on kapok fiber is assessed with engine oil, hydraulic fluid and jet-A1 fuel as the model oils. Hydrochloric acid treatment is preferable in enhancing the oil absorbtion capacity of kapok fiber assembly. Skydrol is determined as good aviation oil to be absorbed due to its high viscocity characteristic. The effect of contact time between kapok fiber and oil for oil sorption after 15 seconds and 60 seconds are also not significantly different. The fiber is capable of retaining most of oil sorption capacity after squeezing. High oil absorption, excellent reusability and good biodegradability make treated kapok fiber a suitable alternative to traditionally synthetic oil sorbents applied to the aviation oil spill recovery.