Development of a Surface Chemical Formulation Tool

Project to be carried out at YKI, Stockholm, Sweden.

Background
YKI has discovered an empirical relationship between certain physico-chemical characteristics of oils and their so-called Equivalent Alcane Carbon Number (EACN). The EACN value is central in formulation of emulsions and detergents and if it could be predicted for any given oil, valuable shortcuts could probably be made in every-day formulation work.

Project
The project will be aimed at exploration of and further development of the empirical relationship described above. Why is it that the model actually seems to be able to explain the non-intuitive facts that hexadecane (C16) has EACN=16, Dodecane (C12) has EACN=12 but toluene (C7) has EACN =1? And how general is the method? Can it be further developed to be able to predict EACN values for silicone oils?

Requirements
Program in chemical engineering or related topics.
Start: Spring term 2007 (early). 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