De Smidt’s Timbers – Sawdust for oil spillage

Sawdust absorbs oil due to its natural, superoleophilic (oil-attracting) properties.

It can be used to clean up small spills on land or water, where it soaks up the oil and can then be disposed of or burned.

Research has also explored modifying sawdust to improve its buoyancy and sorption capacity, making it even more effective for large-scale oil spill cleanup.

How sawdust works for oil absorption:

Hydrophobic and oleophilic: Sawdust is naturally hydrophobic (water-repellent) and oleophilic (oil-attracting), meaning it soaks up oil but not water. This allows it to float and absorb oil on a water surface.

Easy to apply: For a small spill, you can simply sprinkle a thin layer of sawdust over the oil and mix it.
Immediate action: The sawdust starts soaking up the oil immediately.

Collection: The oil-soaked sawdust forms a slick mass that can be easily swept up and disposed of properly.

Buoyancy: Its low density and high buoyancy keep the oil-soaked material at the surface, making it easy to collect from water.

For large spills:

Modified sawdust:

Researchers have found that treating sawdust can enhance its ability to absorb oil. For example, grafting fatty acids onto the sawdust surface has shown a significant increase in its oil sorption capacity.

Flammable:

The oil-soaked material can also be burned off after absorption, which is a potential method for cleaning up large spills.

If You need Sawdust, De Smidt’s Timbers can definitely assist

We are located in Unitaspark, Vereeniging.

For more information visit www.vaalsawmills.co.za