Bio-based hydrophobic fiberglass filters functionalized with RPTES for efficient oil-water separation

Abstract

This study introduces a sustainable and highly efficient method for oil-water separation using fiberglass fabric (FG-Castor) functionalized with ricinoleamidopropyl-triethoxysilane (RPTES), a novel hydrophobic compound synthesized from castor oil via a solvent-free aminolysis reaction. The resulting superhydrophobic filter exhibits a high water contact angle of 146.31° and effectively separates petroleum-based solvents—including gasoline, kerosene, and n-hexane—from water under gravity-driven conditions. Characterization by SEM-EDX, X-ray mapping, and ¹³C NMR confirmed successful surface modification and amide bond formation. The FG-Castor filters demonstrated exceptional separation efficiency (up to 98.71 %) and high permeated flux (up to 5760 L/m²·h), while maintaining stable performance over 20 reuse cycles. The filters also retained high efficiency under varying pH and temperature conditions, highlighting their robustness and versatility. These findings demonstrate the potential of bio-derived, solvent-free surface treatments in advancing green, cost-effective technologies for industrial wastewater management and oil spill remediation.