Modified polyurethane mattress foam can absorb oil and perhaps other chemicals from contaminated water, according to MRC-funded research at Arizona State University (ASU). Chemically treating the foam shows promise as an innovative and cost-effective solution for oil spill cleanup applications. The ASU team used a variety of techniques to alter the surface chemistry of foam, which changed its ability to absorb more oil and less water. These results were encouraging. Modified recycled foams may also separate other chemicals from water.