Oil Spill Polymer

You can experience how a hazmat crew might handle an oil spill cleanup using a super absorbent polymer

Print this Experiment

Oil Spill Polymer

Imagine a simple way to clean up an oil spill: A small amount of a non-toxic powder is sprinkled onto the spreading oil. In seconds, the powder collects the oil and forms a sponge-like layer that can be easily skimmed off of the water. It’s more than just a dream! It’s a new way of using superabsorbent polymers to change the way cleanup teams control oil spills and manage other waste problems. The results are amazing!

Marvel Mystery Oil® is a registered trademark of Turtle Wax, Inc., Chicago, USA. All Rights Reserved.

Experiment Videos

Here's What You'll Need

  • Large, clear cup
  • Water
  • Marvel Mystery Oil® (at a local auto parts place)
  • Oil-absorbing polymer
  • Piece of waxed paper (optional)
  • Adult Supervision

Let's Try It

  1. Oil Spill Polymer - Step 1

    Fill the clear cup 3/4-full with room temperature water.

  2. Oil Spill Polymer - Step 2

    Add enough Marvel Mystery Oil to the water to make a thin, but obvious, oil slick on the water. Since petroleum is less dense than water, it floats on top of the water. Its bright color reveals it clearly.

  3. Oil Spill Polymer - Step 3

    Spread the polymer evenly over the surface of the oil. The polymer immediately bonds to the oil and forms a sponge-like disk that floats on the water.

    Leave the polymer in place for about 2 minutes.  You’ll want to watch this process closely, too. Before removing the oil/polymer glob, you may need to press down on the edges of the polymer where it touches the cup. It may stick to the plastic in the cup.

    Lift the polymer disk out of the cup and place it on a clean piece of waxed paper to “cure.” As water dries out of the disk, the polymer becomes firm and rubbery – like a sponge cake. Any remaining  hydrocarbon molecules find bonding sites on the polymer and become entangled in the three-dimensional, polymer structure away from the water.

How Does It Work

The chemical formulation of the polymer is a carefully guarded trade secret and a patent application has been made. However, the inventor agreed to share some limited information about the polymer for educational purposes. The hydrocarbon source (crude oil, diesel fuel, gasoline, Mystery Oil, etc.) consists of three basic components: paraffinics, naptinics, and aromatics. The polymer is formulated to specifically bond to these components. The bonding mechanism involves three-dimensional cross-linking so as many as possible are captured. According to the manufacturer, the polymer structures are referred to as dieblock, triblock, branched, radial, and liner.

When the polymer comes in contact with a liquid hydrocarbon, the free hydrocarbons bond to the polymer forming a solid mass. The hydrophobic (water avoiding) properties of the polymer cause it to float on water. However, the structure of the polymer allows it to sink through the hydrocarbon material to maximize its bonding potential. There is no need for mixing since the polymer automatically bonds to free hydrocarbons but not to water.

The polymer is also used in treating oily sludges. It can effectively filter oil field drilling fluids as well. It’s good for stabilizing any other spilled or leaked liquid hydrocarbons that pose a threat to the environment. It’s truly amazing – and timely – chemistry!

Take It Further

It’s obvious that liquid hydrocarbon spills usually occur on water that isn’t at room temperature. You might want to explore how the water temperature could impact the effectiveness of the polymer. What is the best range of water temperature for the most effective cleanup? That might be worked into a very interesting science fair project, too.

Related Experiments

Oil and Water

There’s something very important about oil and water that you probably already know: oil doesn’t mix with water! That explains why oil spills on the ocean float on […]

View Experiment

Melting Packaging Peanuts - Polystyrene Science

They seem to magically “disappear.” In fact, the Styrofoam reacts with the solvent to reveal the fact that Styrofoam is made up of long strands […]

View Experiment
Wine glasses with bubbling blob experiment in different colors

Bubbling Blob - Lava Lamp

Learn how to make a wave bottle using oil, water, and a secret ingredient that makes the whole thing fizz, bubble, and erupt.

View Experiment

Glacier GAK

If you’re old enough to remember Silly Putty, you may remember what it felt like to roll it up into a ball in your hand. […]

View Experiment
Slime Art - Main Image

Slime Art

We all know that playing with slime is one of the best things in the world.  But, what do you do when you’re done.  You […]

View Experiment

The Baby Diaper Secret

If you’ve ever changed a diaper and noticed what looked like tiny crystals on the baby’s skin, you’ve uncovered the secret of superabsorbent, disposable diapers. […]

View Experiment

Browse more experiments by concept:

Back to all experiments