Kinetic Studies of a New Class of Labile Surfactants

Background
During 2003-2006, YKI has developed a new class of labile surfactants, that break down upon heating or after a given time. Patents have been filed in the US and in Europe, and several ongoing studies with industry start to give promising results. However, many of the kinetic characteristics of the surfactant are still unexplored and here we need your help. How quick will the surfactant breakdown be at different pH values and temperatures? How quickly can it be activated from a stabile precursor molecule?

Project
The project will be aimed at exploration of the kinetics mentioned above for activation and breakdown of the surfactants. The main technique to be used in these studies will be Epton titration. This method allows selective determination of anionic surfactants in solution. The work will start with set-up of the method and calibration. Thereafter several activation and breakdown experiments will be conducted, and followed by the titration. The outcome, a kinetic map of the different surfactants, will be very valuable in the ongoing formulation work with industry.

Requirements
Program in chemical engineering or related topics.
Start: As soon as possible. 20 credit points.

To apply/for further information
Contact Martin Andersson, YKI
Tel: +46 8 5010 6025
[email protected]

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.