Robustly superhydrophobic polylactic acid nonwoven membranes for efficient oil/water separation

Oily wastewater is an urgent issue that threatens the ecosystem and human health. Superhydrophobic porous materials are widely concerned as promising candidates for effective oil/water separation oil adsorption. However, superhydrophobic still confronted with frustrations such complex preparation processes secondary pollution to environment. biodegradability a relatively simple process more attractive practical application environmental protection. In this work, biodegradable industrially applied polylactic acid (PLA) nonwoven were used membranes, then PLA nanoparticles loaded on membrane surface construct hierarchical rough structure. The modified (nano-PLA) shows superhydrophobicity efficient performance. Moreover, strong mechanical strength acceptable toughness obtained. This work offers easily controlled pathway design of robust, highly selective, materials.