Development of industrially viable activation routes for a number of new labile surfactant precursors

In 2004, YKI patented a new class of thermo-labile surfactants, which break down to non-.surface active components after heating. The concept has been refined since then, and the first large scale application is currently being explored together with industry, in pilot scale.

A long list of potential applications, with interest from industry is present, but in some critical cases the development is slowed down, or even stopped, due to the fact that the current surfactant precursor is only classed as an indirect food additive, and the actual labile surfactant that the precursor is transformed into upon activation by the user, is not a registered or approved chemical today.

YKI has identified a set of precursor-surfactant-breakdown products that should all be edible and harmless, and this diploma work is focussed on detailed studies of these compounds.

Development of practical routes for activation will be highlighted, as this is of outmost importance for industrial applications, but also studies of breakdown kinetics will be performed as a substantial part of the project.

The work will start with selection of suitable model systems for demonstration of the concept in action, and selection of methods for evaluation.

The analysis methods will thereafter be set-up and tested, and the selected model systems will be evaluated and activation protocols developed an tested. Determination of the kinetics of activation and decomposition will then follow.

If promising results are obtained, the results may be protected by a YKI patent before presentation of the results, and as confidential information will be handled in the project, you will have to sign the general secrecy agreement which all employees at YKI have signed.

The applicant should have good skills in general chemistry (an interest in organic chemistry/surface chemistry/chemical kinetics is very positive!), be very familiar with chemical laboratory work, and have a genuine interest in novel applied chemical concepts, aimed at practical use in industrial applications.

An award of 20 000 SEK (before tax) will be given after the work has been completed and accepted by the examiner.

If this sounds interesting, please send your CV as soon as possible to

[email protected]

Or call +46 8 50 10 60 25 / 0768-64 00 25 for more information

YKI, Institute for Surface Chemistry, is the internationally leading industrial research institute in applied surface and colloid chemistry. YKI’s clients come from many industrial sectors e.g. materials, industrial chemicals, household and personal care products, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food, coatings, paint, engineering, paper, print and packaging. The business model of YKI is to understand the needs of our clients and use surface chemistry to solve industrial problems and provide the basis for new products and processes. YKI is part of the SP Group. YKI is located in a research-intensive area on the campus of the technical university (KTH) in Stockholm. See www.yki.se for further information.