Abstract:Poly(L-lactic acid) foams were prepared from its tetrahydrofuran solution through thermally induced phase separation. PLLA foams were composed of porous microspheres with the diameter of (45±13) μm. The adsorption capacities of PLLA foams toward dodecanol, engine oil, paraffin oil and silicone oil, and oil-water separation properties were investigated. The water contact angle of PLLA foams is 141.8°, which is about 70°higher than that of the solvent-cast film. Their surface areas and porosity reach up to 13.9 m2/g and 97.5%, respectively. The uptake capacity of PLLA foams for four types of oils is greater than 12 g/g, which are 14～19 times that of the solvent-cast film. Owing to the high hydrophobicity, lipophilicity and massive capillary action, PLLA foams can quickly absorb oil in preference to water in an oil-water mixture, and can be used as eco-friendly oil-water separation material.