CocoFlexSorb: DOST, MSU-IIT unveils foam that seeks to improve PH oil spill response

CocoFlexSorb, a bio-based polyurethane foam from the Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) is slated to become an innovative addition to the country's oil response. DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. holds up a crude oil-soaked CocoFlexSorb – a foam technology developed by the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology that can absorb different types of oil, with a reuse capacity of 40 times. DOST Usec. Leah J. Buendia holds a clean pack of the technology. (Photo courtesy of DOST-PCIEERD)
Developed under the Department of Science and Technology - Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) program Center for Sustainable Polymers (CSP), the technology has superior oil absorption capacity and can absorb different types of oil from light, vegetable, kerosene, engine, and bunker oil. During the Laging Handa public briefing on Thursday, May 18, Dr. Arnold Lubguban, CSP Program Leader, explained that this foam was a result of a formulation from coconut oil. According to DOST, the material has been proven to have high affinity and sorption capacity in bunker oil, fresh and used engine oil, kerosene, and vegetable oils. It is hydrophobic in both fresh and saltwater and has superior reusability as its oil sorption capacity does not diminish with use. During field tests held at Occidental Mindoro this month with the Philippine Coast Guard, Dr. Hernando P. Bacosa, Project Leader of CocoFlexSorb, stated that they need to further improve the technology for it to have an effective use even on weathered oil. He added that further testing and development are necessary before the technology can be adopted and commercialized. On the other hand, when tested on fresh oil, CocoFlexSorb showed promising results. It can then be rinsed then used 20 to 30, even up to 40 times. The technology was unveiled during the inauguration of CSP at MSU-IIT in Iligan City. "The development of eco-friendly and cost-effective polymers derived from natural sources shows promise in mitigating the impact of oil spills. With this achievement, we hope to inspire researchers to continue investing in innovative technologies and collaborations to work towards a cleaner and healthier environment,” Lubguban, who is also DOST Balik Scientist, explained. DOST continuously funds universities like MSU-IIT to through the NICER Program to capacitate Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the regions to make significant improvements in regional research by integrating its development need with the existing R&D research capabilities and resources. It will provide institutional grant for R&D capacity building to improve their S&T infrastructure. “The DOST is steadfast in driving the industry through continuous R&D to enable technological advancement. Innovations like the CocoFlexSorb provides options for a better life to Filipinos like clean water and a healthy environment,” DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. said. DOST Undersecretary for R&D Leah J. Buendia stated that this accomplishment is a "perfect example of harmonizing our resources combined with the support given to our Filipino scientists".