Hydrophobic modification of a polyurethane sponge via emulsion polymerization for selective oil–water separation

Key Points

• This research aims to enhance the hydrophobic properties of polyurethane sponges for effective oil-water separation.
• Modified a polyurethane sponge using emulsion polymerization with PSt-co-PLMA coating.
• Evaluated the sponge's oil absorption and separation efficiency across multiple cycles.
• The modified sponge absorbed 21–75 times its weight in oil.
• Achieved 98.4% oil separation efficiency.
• Remained reusable after 15 cycles.