Conwed Corporation

Conweb Corporation

Frederick H Riedel

Donald E Wiegand

Otis R Videen

Material comprising blends of polymeric and cellulosic fibers is disclosed which is particularly suited for removing oil from aqueous mixtures thereof. The fibers are binded into a web or mat-like structure or blended in an unbonded form and retained by a fine mesh net-like enclosure. The polymeric fiber may be a foamed fiber and a method for producing foamed polymeric fibers is disclosed.

Polymeric and cellulosic fiber material for removing oil from water

A dark perforated flexible plastic sheet bonded on top of a fertilizer-containing cellulosic fiber blanket in contact with the earth shields the blanket and the soil beneath from the drying effects of the free circulation of air while allowing entry of water. The fiber blanket is composed of cellulosic fiber mat. The fiber mat rests upon the ground thereby discouraging growth in the areas of contact. Spaces for plant growth are provided between adjacent areas of fiber blanket. Plant growth is encouraged in these spaces by the absorption of solar energy by the plastic film transmitted to the earth beneath, the moisture in the blanket by the unperforated areas of the plastic sheet and by the release of fertilizer from the adjacent fiber mat as the moisture leaves the blanket and enters the soil. A second embodiment of the invention includes the continuation of the plastic sheet over the space between adjacent area of fiber blanket. A miniature greenhouse is thus formed in the intermediate areas which encourage plant germination and growth. The fiber is plowed into the ground at the end of the growing season after stripping off the plastic sheet. The plowed-in fiber improves the soil by adding to its organic content.

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Cloquet, MN, United States of America

Frederick H Riedel