Abstract

Conformation of Organic Friction Modifiers under shear – Alex Routh

Organic Friction Modifiers (OFMs) are small amphiphilic molecules commonly added to engine oil formulations. They are known to reduce friction between moving metal parts. The conventional view is that these molecules operate with the polar headgroup attaching to the metal surface and the alkyl chain extending into solution. This conformation remains unproven and there is no knowledge of the effect of shear on the OFM

To investigate the conformation of OFMs we have built a tribometer which fits onto neutron reflectivity beamlines. This allows the structure of OFMs to be probed whilst simultaneously applying a well defined shear.

Evidence is found for the OFM conformation to be reverse micelles adsorbing onto iron oxide surfaces.

Jerome Neufeld – Storing CO2 in geological complexities

The geological storage of CO2 remains one of the primary means to deeply decarbonise a wide number of industrial processes. However, many reservoirs are complex, with structure on many scales impacting the rates and direction of flow, and the manner in which the buoyant CO2 is ultimately trapped securely. This talk will focus on a broad overview of the current work in the group, incorporating models of propagation and trapping in comparison with geological and field data where these theoretical ideas may be tested.