Innovative Oilfield Application for Flax Fiber, Shives and Dust

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When accidental oil spills occur on land or water, sorbents are used in the oil spill cleanup. Common commercial sorbents are synthetic polypropylene or polyurethane polymer materials. Although these sorbents work well they derive from non-renewable resources, are not biodegradable and contribute to the evermore increase in plastics pollution. Alternatively natural fibers such as cotton, kapok and milkweed have shown to exhibit similar or higher oil sorption capacities than there synthetic counterparts. An effective sorbent material attracts oil (oleophilicity) and repels water (hydrophobicity). Interestingly, flax fibers have a natural wax coating which repel water (hydrophobic) and are oleophilic. Once the flax fibres are cleaned the flax residues (broken fibres, shives and dust) are generally burnt or sent to landfills as waste. The research supported by this NSERC Engage Grant will investigate a novel use for flax fibre wastes to transform them into a value added product. The flax materials will be compared to the sorbency of heat-treated wood saw dust. Since oil sorbent waste is generally sent to landfills, two tests will be conducted according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, Method 9095B-Paint Filter Liquids Test and Method 9096-Liquid Release Test. The performance of flax materials will enable recommendations to be made related to their sorption properties and potential for use in the oil and gas industries. The flax waste may increase profits for the company from an otherwise waste material.