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Diesel engines and gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines both produce soot due to incomplete combustion of the fuel and some enters the lubricant where it accumulates between drain intervals, promoting wear of rubbing engine components. Currently the most favoured mechanism for this wear is that the anti-wear additives present in engine oils, primarily zinc dialkyldithiophosphates (ZDDPs), react very rapidly with rubbing surfaces to form relatively soft reaction products. These are easily abraded by soot, resulting in a corrosive-abrasive wear mechanism. This study has explored the impact of engine oil dispersant additives on this type of wear using combinations of dispersant, ZDDP and carbon black, a soot surrogate. It has been found that both the concentration and type of dispersant are critical in influencing wear. With most dispersants studied, wear becomes very high over an intermediate dispersant concentration range of ca 0.1–0.4 wt% N, with both lower and higher dispersant levels showing much less wear. However a few dispersants appear able to suppress high wear by ZDDP and carbon black over the whole concentration range. A series of experiments have been carried out to determine the origin of this behaviour and it is believed that high levels of dispersant, and, for a few dispersants, all concentration levels, protect the iron sulphide tribofilm initially formed by ZDDP from abrasion by carbon black.

In this study we report the preparation of nanohybrid dispersant molecules based on pyrene and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes for non-covalent functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The prepared dispersant improves the dispersion of MWCNTs in organic solvents with very different polarities such as tetrahydrofuran, toluene, and n-hexane. The functionalized MWCNTs were used to introduce conductivity into polydimethylsiloxane membranes which can be used for electrostatic discharge applications.

Current binary nanofluid synthesis methods with heat transfer additives lack an understanding of the chemistry of the nanoparticle-additive-base fluid interaction, which plays a significant role in the adsorption of the surfactant on the nanoparticle surface. Consequently, this leads to the formation of aggregates within the nanofluid after a couple of days, affecting the stability of the colloidal suspension. Here, a lithium bromide-alumina salt-based nanofluid is proposed following a newly developed synthesis method including particle surface functionalisation. The new procedure developed allows the initial preparation of the nanoparticles with the surfactant as the first step (surface functionalisation) and then the preparation of the base fluid with a dispersion stabilising agent (Gum Arabic) separately. This is then followed by the dispersion of the prepared alumina nanoparticles into the base fluid, by stirring and ultrasonication to produce the final nanofluid, lithium bromide-water (LiBr-H2O)-alumina nanofluid. Until now, proper procedures have not been reported for the nanofluid synthesis combining surfactant and dispersant and the chemistry of nanoparticles-surfactant-base fluid interaction, which was thoroughly investigated in the new approach. The fluid prepared by both the conventional and new procedures was characterised and analysed simultaneously. A thermal conductivity enhancement of 3% was achieved by using the surface functionalisation method, with greater particle concentration distribution (number of particles in suspension) of 22.7% over the conventional procedure. It also achieved a 5% decrease in dynamic viscosity. On the other hand, a Mouromtseff number value between 0.7 and 1.8 was obtained for the fluid at 293 K and 373 K temperature range, indicating a strong heat transfer capability. It was apparent from the particle size and concentration distribution analysis conducted that this procedure produced a more stable nanofluid with a high distribution of nanoparticles within the fluid. This allows high improvement of thermal properties of the fluid. Graphical abstract Graphical abstract of a new procedure for nanofluid synthesis with heat transfer additives using the two-step method

This paper reports new hierarchical cementitious composites developed using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), sisal fibers and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as the dispersing agent. MCC was dispersed in water without and with CTAB at different concentrations using ultrasonication and the optimum CTAB concentration for achieving homogeneous and stable MCC suspensions was found to be 40%. Hierarchical composites were fabricated using MCC (0.1–1.5 wt% of cement), sisal fibers (20 mm, 0.25% and 0.50 wt% of cement), 40% CTAB and tri-butyl phosphate as the defoaming agent. Mechanical strengths of composites improved significantly at 0.1 wt% MCC, which along with 0.5% sisal fibers improved compressive and flexural strengths by ~ 24% and ~ 18%, respectively. The hybrid reinforcement exhibited a synergistic effect on the fracture behavior of composites improving the fracture energy up to 40%. Hierarchical composites also showed improved fiber-matrix bonding, lower porosity and water absorption, superior hydration, carbonation resistance and durability up to 90 ageing cycles, The authors gratefully acknowledge the funding by Arauca´ria Foundation to Support Scientific and Technological Development of the State of Parana´ under grants CP20/2013, Department of Civil Engineering of Apucarana Campus—Federal University of Technology—Parana´ (UTFPR), State University of Maringa´ (UEM)—Brazil, Fibernamics, Fibrous Materials Research Group and University of Minho—Guimarães, Portugal, Project UID/ CTM/00264/2019 of 2C2T—Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia Têxtil, funded by National Founds through FCT/MCTES and University Beira Interior—Covilhã, Portugal.

Nanotechnologies offer tremendous potential when it comes to modifying the microstructure of steel through the incorporation of nanoparticles. While typical production methods for metal-matrix composites are difficult and expensive, conventional casting routes suffer from inhomogeneity and agglomeration of the added nanoparticles. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and possibilities of introducing nanosized particles into a steel matrix through a conventional casting process and to determine the effect of different nanoparticles and methods of incorporation on the strength, toughness, and high-temperature wear resistance of martensitic steel. The results show that also in the case of a conventional casting process, it is possible to obtain a homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles in the metal matrix, resulting in improved strength, maintained toughness, and up to five times better high-temperature wear resistance of the Mn-Cr steel. However, the rate of improvement greatly depends on the method and type of nanoparticles incorporation. The most promising results were observed for the combination of carbon nanotubes, oxide nanoparticles, and dispersant, sealed in a steel tube, with the dispersant providing the uniform distribution, the carbon nanotubes delivering the good toughness and the adhesive wear properties, and the oxide nanoparticles ensuring oxidation and abrasive wear resistance. Fil: Kračun, A.. Institute of Metals and Technology,Ljubljan; Eslovenia Fil: Jenko, D.. Institute of Metals and Technology,Ljubljan; Eslovenia Fil: Godec, M.. Institute of Metals and Technology,Ljubljan; Eslovenia Fil: Savilov, S.V.. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow; Rusia Fil: Prieto, Germán. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico CONICET- Bahia Blanca. Instituto de Fisica del sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Fisica. Instituto de Fisica del sur; Argentina Fil: Tuckart, Walter Roberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico CONICET- Bahia Blanca. Instituto de Fisica del sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Fisica. Instituto de Fisica del sur; Argentina Fil: Podgornik, B.. Institute of Metals and Technology,Ljubljan; Eslovenia

Understanding the properties of any particular biorefinery or pulping residue lignin is crucial when choosing the right lignin for the right end use. In this paper, three different residual lignin types [supercritical water hydrolysis lignin (SCWH), ammonium lignosulfonate (A-LS), and sodium lignosulfonate (S-LS)] were evaluated for their chemical structure, thermal properties and water vapor adsorption behavior. SCWH lignin was found to have a high amount of phenolic hydroxyl groups and the highest amount of beta-O-4 linkages. Combined with a low ash content, it shows potential to be used for conversion into aromatic or platform chemicals. A-LS and S-LS had more aliphatic hydroxyl groups, aliphatic double bonds and C=O structures. All lignins had available C-3/C-5 positions, which can increase reactivity towards adhesive precursors. The glass transition temperature (T-g) data indicated that the SCWH and S-LS lignin types can be suitable for production of carbon fibers. Lignosulfonates exhibited considerable higher water vapor adsorption as compared to the SCWH lignin. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the SCWH differed greatly from the lignosulfonates in purity, chemical structure, thermal stability and water sorption behavior. SCWH lignin showed great potential as raw material for aromatic compounds, carbon fibers, adhesives or polymers. Lignosulfonates are less suited for conversion into chemicals or carbon fibers, but due to the high amount of aliphatic hydroxyl groups, they can potentially be modified or used as adhesives, dispersants, or reinforcement material in polymers. For most value-adding applications, energy-intensive purification of the lignosulfonates would be required. Open access funding provided by Linnaeus University. Venla Hemmila and Stergios Adamopoulos would like to thank the Knowledge Foundation for the financial support (project titled "New environment-friendly board materials", 2015-2019). Arantxa Eceiza thanks the Basque Government (IT776-16) and SgiKer General Services of the University of the Basque Country

Slurries with low viscosity and polystyrene (PS) nanoparticle concentration up to 52 wt.% have been synthesized in one-step process with no waste generation, by suspension polymerization and optimizing the concentration of dispersants (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS, and the cosurfactant, CS). The CS was manufactured in situ from tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES). The incorporation of the CS on the PS polymer was confirmed by FT-IR, EDS, and TGA, observing the functionalization of PS nanoparticles with SiOH. Morphology and particle size of the dispersed solid, together with viscosity and stability of the polystyrene slurries (PSSs), were analyzed, finding an abrupt reduction of the viscosity for PSSs by combining SDS and CS. Addition of SDS and CS (3.0 and 1.5 wt.%, respectively) allowed to produce PSSs with improved stability (ζ = − 48.5 mV after 1 year), low viscosity (20.5 mPa·s at 25 °C), and Newtonian behavior, containing up to 40.0 wt.% of single-spherical PS nanoparticles (< 100 nm).

This article introduces the EU Horizon 2020 research project GRACE (Integrated oil spill response actions and environmental effects), which focuses on a holistic approach towards investigating and understanding the hazardous impact of oil spills and the environmental impacts and benefits of a suite of marine oil spill response technologies in the cold climate and ice-infested areas of the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea. The response methods considered include mechanical collection in water and below ice, in situ burning, use of chemical dispersants, natural biodegradation, and combinations of these. The impacts of naturally and chemically dispersed oil, residues resulting from in situ burning,and non-collected oil on fish, invertebrates (e.g. mussels, crustaceans) and macro-algae are assessed by using highly sensitive biomarker methods, and specific methods for the rapid detection of the effects of oil pollution on biota are developed. By observing, monitoring and predicting oil movements in the sea through the use of novel online sensors on vessels, fixed platforms including gliders and the so-called SmartBuoys together with real-time data transfer into operational systems that help to improve the information on the location of the oil spill, situational awareness of oil spill response can be improved. Methods and findings of the project are integrated into a strategic net environmental benefit analysis tool (environment and oil spill response, EOS) for oil spill response strategy decision making in cold climates and ice-infested areas. © The Author(s) 2019. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Oil dispersed in the water column remains sheltered from wind forcing, so that an altered drift path is a key consequence of using chemical dispersants. In this study, ensemble simulations were conducted based on 7 years of simulated atmospheric and marine conditions, evaluating 2,190 hypothetical spills from each of 636 cells of a regular grid covering the inner German Bight (SE North Sea). Each simulation compares two idealized setups assuming either undispersed or fully dispersed oil. Differences are summarized in a spatial map of probabilities that chemical dispersant applications would help prevent oil pollution from entering intertidal coastal areas of the Wadden Sea. High probabilities of success overlap strongly with coastal regions between 10 m and 20 m water depth, where the use of chemical dispersants for oil spill response is a particularly contentious topic. The present study prepares the ground for a more detailed net environmental benefit analysis (NEBA) accounting also for toxic effects.

Surface treated macro and nanoparticle TiO2 samples have been prepared, characterised and their efficiency as UV blockers evaluated in clear coatings and paints. The particle size of the ‘base’ TiO2 has been optimised to block UV radiation and the surface treatment developed to deactivate the photocatalytic activity of the surface of the TiO2 particles. The resultant UV blockers have been evaluated in both solvent and water-based clear coatings. Nanoparticle TiO2 has been prepared from ‘seed’ and the particle size was controlled by calcination. It was found that the choice of particle size is a compromise between UVA absorption, UVB absorption, visible transmission and photoactivity. It has been demonstrated that TiO2 with a crystallite size of 25 nm yields a product with the optimum properties. A range of dispersants was successfully used to disperse and mill the TiO2. Both organic and inorganic dispersants were used; 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol and 1-amino-2-propanol (MIPA) and P2O5 and Na2SiO3 respectively. The surface of the nano-TiO2 was coated with mixed oxides of silicon, aluminium, zirconium and phosphorous. Addition of the resultant coated nano-rutiles to an Isocyanate Acrylic clear coating prolonged the lifetime of that coating compared to the blank. Generally, a surface treatment based on SiO2, Al2O3 and P2O5 was more successful than one based on ZrO2, Al2O3 and P2O5. Higher addition levels of the surface treatment were beneficial for protecting the polymeric coating. The UV blocker products were also evaluated in a water-based acrylic, first a water-based dispersion of the UV blocker was prepared before addition to the acrylic. The dispersions and resultant acrylic thin films were evaluated using UV/Vis spectroscopy and durability assessed. The ratio of absorbance at 300:500 nm for the water-based dispersion was shown to be a good predictor of both the transparency of the resultant acrylic thin film and the durability of that film, in terms of weight loss. Macro grade titanium dioxide pigments were also prepared and coated with treatments of silica, alumina and siloxane and their photo-stabilising activity in alkyd paint film assessed and found to be directly related to the electron–hole pair mobility and trapping as determined by micro-wave spectroscopy.

In this work, we study the effect of periodicity and PEO side-chain length in four PMAA-PEO (sodium salt) comb polymers with known molecular architecture on Al2O3 colloidal dispersions in DI water. We introduce here charge composition factors (CCF) representing charge density of the comb polymers defined as (number of charged units in a repeating unit)/(molecular weight of a repeating unit). We find, for the first time to our knowledge, that the CCF can be used along with dispersant dosage to obtain explicit functions predicting the conductivity of the dispersants in solution, the zeta potential behavior during dispersant titrations, and the isoelectric point (IEP) of the dispersions. In addition, the dosage normalized by the CCF provides a basis for comparison for the dispersants to elucidate the trends found in adsorption and potentiometric titrations. Thus, the CCF can be used as a tool for the design of improved and new comb polymer molecular architectures., Colloid and Polymer Science, 292 (7), ISSN:0303-402X, ISSN:1435-1536

A series of polycarboxylate ether-based copolymers that include acrylic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, and polyethylene glycol-1000 was synthesized, and the performance of these copolymers as rheology modifiers in aqueous alumina suspensions was characterized. We discussed the effect of monomer feed ratio and molecular weight on dispersing ability of these copolymers and on extensional behavior of alumina suspensions. Results of zeta potential analysis determined that using the copolymers even at 0.5 wt.% results in all-negative zeta potentials for the entire pH range (2–12). These copolymers immensely affect the extensional rheological behavior of alumina suspensions—while 20 vol.% pure alumina suspension showed severe strain hardening behavior, suspensions with 1 wt.% copolymers and 35 vol.% alumina particles displayed no strain hardening. In this series, the copolymer with lowest molecular weight decreased the extensional viscosity of suspensions at the rupture of thread with three orders of magnitude as well.

In this study, aqueous lead magnesium niobate (PMN) slurry formulations were developed for tape casting using a poly(acrylic acid) - poly(ethylene) oxide comb polymer as the dispersant, nonionic acrylic latex as the binder phase and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as the wetting agent. Concentrated suspensions were cast onto a silicone-coated mylar film, and the effect of acrylic latex on deposition was investigated. Thermal analyses were performed to investigate the mass loss of the green tapes as a function of calcination temperature. Differential scanning calorimetric analyses were made under air and nitrogen atmospheres to investigate the binder distribution through the green tapes. Results showed that it is possible to prepare flexible, crack free PMN thick films using a proper slurry composition in the presence of acrylic latex binder, without using any plasticizer. Additionally, decomposing mechanisms of the acrylic based binder were essentially different in the two atmospheres., TÜBİTAK