(46d) Particulate and Surfactant Systems for Industrial Applications: Challenges and Opportunities

The Center for Particulate and Surfactant Systems (CPaSS – NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center) promotes sustainable use of surfactants and particulate systems. Center research focusses on generating the knowledge and technology platforms for industry to develop greener and more sustainable particle and surfactant applications. Current research projects include dispersion of high solids suspensions, corrosion inhibition, antiscaling agents, microbe removal from surfaces, engineered clays for enhanced performance in ceramics. Process efficiencies in some of these systems are determined by the nanostructures formed at the interfaces. For example, molecular structures on surfaces can impede the diffusion/electrochemical reactions that give rise to surface oxidation leading to corrosion, or create steric repulsion between particles leading to dispersion.

We are using atomic force microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and other spectroscopic techniques to understand the structure of surface films/coatings at the molecular/atomic scale. Experimental and, simulation and modeling techniques are being employed to gain deeper understanding of factors that govern molecular structures, their packing density, yield strength, elastic modulus, strength of adhesion, and synergistic/antagonistic behavior in mixed reagent systems.

In this presentation, select project developments will be discussed, and challenges and opportunities for developing greener and more sustainable processes and products will be outlined.