MIT creates new oil-repelling material

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A steel mesh coated with a polymer containing a low concentration of a synthesized molecule called fluoroPOSS can repel water (dyed blue) but attracts the flammable fuel hexadecane (dyed red) allowing it to be used to separate the two substances. Pho ...
A steel mesh coated with a polymer containing a low concentration of a synthesized molecule called fluoroPOSS can repel water (dyed blue) but attracts the flammable fuel hexadecane (dyed red), allowing it to be used to separate the two substances. Photo / Anish Tuteja and Wonjae Choi, courtesy Science

MIT engineers have designed the first simple process for manufacturing materials that strongly repel oils. The material, which can be applied as a flexible surface coating, could have applications in aviation, space travel and hazardous waste cleanup.


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