ABSTRACT

The Illinois Junior Academy of Science

This form/paper may not be taken without IJAS authorization.

CATEGORY Materials Science STATE REGION # 6

SCHOOL Niles North High School IJAS SCHOOL # 6038
CITY/ZIP Skokie, IL 60077 SCHOOL PHONE # 847.626.2258
SPONSOR Christine Camel

MARK ONE: EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION X DESIGN INVESTIGATION

NAME OF SCIENTIST* Juliana Tichota GRADE 12

NAME OF SCIENTIST GRADE
NAME OF SCIENTIST GRADE
NAME OF SCIENTIST GRADE

* If this project is awarded a monetary prize, the check will be written in this scientist's name, and it will be his/her responsibility to distribute the
prize money equally among all participating scientists.

PROJECT TITLE Synthesis of Multiple Foams for the Removal of Oil from Contaminated Water

Purpose: The purposes of this experiment were to synthesize and functionalize multiple superhydrophobic and superoleophilic
sponges, to determine the difference in their overall oil absorption capabilities, and to determine the reusability of all tested sponges in
the hopes of developing a new and reusable method of contaminated water treatment.

Procedure:

Four groups of sponges were synthesized. These groups included polyurethane foam, PTFE-functionalized polyurethane foam,
silica-functionalized polyurethane foam, and silicone-cornstarch synthesized biodegradable foam. The oil absorption of these sponges
was tested by measuring the mass before and after exposure to an oil and water solution. The reusability of these sponges was tested by
repeating absorption testing three times with the same sponges and fresh solutions. The hydrophobicity of these sponges was tested
through contact angle analysis.

Conclusion:

My hypotheses were incorrect; however, a most optimal sponge was found. The most optimal sponge for oil removal was determined
to be the PTFE-functionalized polyurethane foam. Although the control group was more absorbent during single-use testing, the
margin of increased reusability of PTFE sponges was greater than the margin of increased single-use absorbance of the control group,
making PTFE-functionalized polyurethane foam the most efficient overall sponge for oil pollution treatment.

1) Limit Abstract to 3 paragraphs (about 200 words or less). a) Purpose - what you set out to investigate; b) Procedure - how you did
it; c) Conclusion - based on your results. Label each paragraph.
2) Must be typed, single-spaced on the front of this form. Do not write on the back of this form.
3) Three copies of your complete paper are required at the State Science Project Exposition.
Four copies of your complete paper are required for the State Paper Session Competition.

This form must be used. This form must be displayed on the front of the exhibitors display board. It may be reduced to half a sheet of paper;
8.5 inches (vertical) X 5.5 inches (horizontal).