Oil absorption capacity, oil absorption selectivity, and microstructural characteristics of calendered meltblown polyester, calendered meltblown polypropylene, and paper towels

Calendered meltblown polypropylene and polyester and paper towels were examined for oil absorption capacity by a weight difference method. Six different oils, coconut, corn, cottonseed, olive, safflower, and sunflower oils, were used to yield a range of fatty acid compositions. The oil remaining in the pool in which the material was dipped was analyzed by gas chromatography to note fatty acid composition. The materials were examined by scanning electron microscopy to note physical characteristics that relate to absorption, i.e. surface detail and surface area. Pore size was measured to note inter-fiber spaces and oil viscosity measurements were made to determine viscosity impact on absorption capacity. Polypropylene was found to be the best performer with the highest capacity and a preference for low chain length, saturated fatty acids. This was affected by the large pore size and small diameter fibers of the polypropylene material yielding millions of small pockets in which the oil could reside.