Singapore - A new super-absorbing material shows promise of sopping up oil leaks and toxic spills in five years, sparing coastlines devastating effects, a published report said on Monday.

The paper-like substance made up of a mesh of fine wires, is the work of an international team of scientists including National University of Singapore assistant professor Liu Xiao Gang.

The make-up of the strands, known as nanowires, enables them to separate water from oil or other poisonous chemicals containing carbon, The Straits Times said.

Joined into fabric-like layers, they could be floated on the surface of the sea in tanks, absorbing oil and leaving clean water behind.

"We used the same principle as the lotus leaf," Liu was quoted as saying. "Its texture allows water to roll off like marbles, without ever getting wet."

Liu began research two years ago with three experts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The new material is expected to cost slightly more than conventional fabrics. Recyclable and more absorbent, it is expected to save money in the long run.

The nanowires absorb up to 20 times the material's weight purely of oil and no water.

On a smaller scale, the material could also be used to absorb oil leaks in car engines and modified to heal wounds, the report said.