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2129916 
Journal Article 
Highly Swellable Glass Composite Materials For In Situ Groundwater Remediation and Organic Vapor Permeable Proppants 
Edmiston, PL; Pickett, DC; Quenneville, J 
2012 
1 
Mineralogical Magazine
ISSN: 0026-461X
EISSN: 1471-8022 
Mineralogical Society 
United Kingdom (GBR) 
76 
6 (2012) 
1676. 
Osorb is an organosilica material that swells in contact with organic compounds, but is impermeable to water. Swelling is substantial leading to absorption of up to 8 times the dry mass of the initial material with concomitant generation of mechanical forces in excess of 500 N/g. The unique properties lead to a wide variety of sub-surface applications. Iron-Osorb(Registered) is a solid composite material of swellable organosilica with embedded nanoscale zero-valent iron that was formulated to extract and dechlorinate solvents in groundwater. The unique feature of the highly porous organosilica is strong affinity for chlorinated solvents, such as trichloroethylene (TCE), while being impervious to dissolved solids. The swellable matrix is able to release ethane after dechlorination and return to the initial state. Iron-Osorb was determined to be effective in reducing TCE concentrations in bench-scale experiments. A series of three pilot scale tests for in situ remediation of TCE in conjunction was completd in conjunction with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency at a site in central Ohio. In addition, Osorb has wide ranging uses in the oil and gas industry. The material has been evaluated for use as an proppant additive for selective and enhanced flow rates of hydrocarbons in wet environments, water management, and down-hole tooling.