ApocaDocs: MIT develops a 'paper towel' for oil spills

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Posted Sat May 31 2008: from MIT newsoffice:


	MIT develops a 'paper towel' for oil spills http://apocadocs.com/s.pl?1212248812 The scientists say they have created a membrane that can absorb up to 20 times its weight in oil, and can be recycled many times for future use. The oil itself can also be recovered. Some 200,000 tons of oil have already been spilled at sea since the start of the decade. "What we found is that we can make 'paper' from an interwoven mesh of nanowires that is able to selectively absorb hydrophobic liquids--oil-like liquids--from water," said Francesco Stellacci, an associate professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and leader of the work.

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The ApocaDocs say:

If only the Exxon Valdez had had a few rolls of those towels in their cupboard.