Abstract: The performance of mechanical skimmers for the removal of oil from water is enhanced through use of an oil-avid contacting member consisting of a non-woven mat of oleophilic fibers; the fiber surfaces having a film coating of a non-crosslinked rubber. A drum-type skimmer having the drum surfaces covered with such an oil-avid mat may be operated at very high rim speeds to obtain high rates of oil recovery with little water contamination. A process for coating the fiber surfaces with a rubber film is also disclosed.

Abstract: Fires, particularly fires of flammable liquids, are extinguished by applying to the burning surface an extinguishing composition containing particles of a thermoplastic polymer, suitably a rubber. The polymer particles are arranged in association with a sufficient quantity of a chemical extinguishing agent to protect the polymer particles during transit through flame to the burning surface. Upon striking the surface of a flammable liquid the polymer dissolves therein causing the liquid to gel and concentrating fire extinguishing agents on the liquid surface thus securing the liquid against reignition.