DISCOVERY

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Iron atom

Scientists at Britains University of Bristol have found a way to make soap magnetic, allowing for the possibility of more controlled and accurate cleanups of future oil spills and other industrial accidents.

How soap works

Soap is made of long molecules with ends that behave differently:

Molecule of soap
Hydrophilic head is attracted to water Water

When soap is added to water, the hydrophilic heads of its molecules stay in the water (because they like it), while the long hydrophobic chains join the oil particles and remain inwards (escaping from the water). In that way, they form circular groups (called micellas), with the oily material trapped inside. Soap molecules

The research at the University of Bristol in this eld is about how we can take the ordinary and give it extraordinary properties by chemical design.

Grease particle Hydrophobic chain repelled by water An emulsion of oil in water is then formed. The emulsion can be rinsed away.

Professor Julian Eastoe of the University of Bristol

Water

Micella

Making soap magnetic

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Iron atoms added to soap molecules

Modied soap added to oil and water mix e.g. oil slick

Soap molecule
Soap dissolves in water and forms microscopic balls called miscelles

Oil molecules encased by soap miscelles oil slick begins to Soap breakup miscelle
Droplets

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Oil

Droplets attracted to magnet, which draws soap and oil out of water
Detergent can be fully removed

Magnet

Oil

Clean water Soap

Source: Wire agencies; Graphic News

Water
SUSAN BATSFORD, GRAPHICS EDITOR, TWITTER @SBATS1; INFOGRAPHIC BY TARA CORRAN/QMI AGENCY