Why Is Hair Used As an Oil Adsorbent?
Hair is extremely versatile. Besides providing a cosmetic benefit to its owner, hair has many other useful properties and advantages. Absorption and adsorption are two important hair characteristics. Hair's fast adsorption rate makes it a valuable resource. Does this Spark an idea?
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Adsorb vs. Absorb
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Adsorb and absorb definitions Adsorption and absorption are similar terms that are often confused with one another. Both describe how two substances interact when they come in contact. Adsorption happens when one substance's molecules stick to the surface of another substance. Absorption occurs when a substance completely takes in the molecules of another substance.
Common Adsorbents
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Wool is a common adsorbent. Hair, wool, collagen and even feathers can be used as adsorbents for oil and various substances.
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Why Hair is Best
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Hair's cuticle layers help it adsorb oil Oil is able to cling and stick to the ridges formed by the hair's outer cuticle layers faster than other materials.
Uses
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Hair has been used to clean up oil spills. Hair has been used to provide an environmentally safe way to clean up oil spills.
Fun Fact
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Feathers are a common adsorbent. A kilogram of hair can adsorb almost 3 1/2 liters of oil in about two minutes.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Ibrahim Iujaz Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Patrick Feller Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jurij Skoblenko Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Meena Kadri Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Sara Atkins Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Marine Photobank
