EPDM/tBS suspension copolymer for oil sorbency application

Abstract A new kind of functional polymer bead was synthesised by suspension copolymerisation with ethylene–propylene–diene (EPDM) and 4-tert-butylstyrene (tBS) as monomers. The structure and properties of the resin beads were characterised with SEM, FTIR and DSC. The results showed that EPDM/tBS suspension copolymer beads (S-PEt) have small and uniform porous structure, high specific surface area and good oil sorption ability. The maximum values of oil sorbency to kerosene, toluene and chloroform are 22·80, 27·50 and 35·00 g g–1 respectively.