The study explores upcycling waste polypropylene (PP) from disposable face masks into an effective oil-spill management solution. An oil-sorbent pouch was synthesized using superposed microporous and fibrous PP thin films created via spin coating. The pouch demonstrated rapid oil uptake (saturation in <5 min), high absorption capacity (85 g/g), and reusability (effective up to seven cycles). This approach offers a sustainable solution for plastic waste management and promotes a circular economy.

Junaid Saleem, Zubair Khalid Baig Moghal, Rana Abdul Shakoor, Gordon Mckay