PhD Studentship in determination of the structure and performance of organic friction modifiers

Improvements in fuel economy are a major driver in the lubricants industry. Fuel economy shows an inverse relationship with friction and hence there have been a number of methods employed to reduce friction in engines such as the use of organic friction modifiers and understanding how they operate will allow optimised formulations to be devised. The prize is large with over 20% of global CO2 emissions being due to road transport. Additionally internal combustion engines are being phased out, and the industrial sponsor is keen to apply their leading knowledge to new business areas, wherever moving contact points exist. It is noted that 25% of the worlds energy use is used overcoming friction.

The overall aim of this collaborative project between the University of Cambridge and Infineum is to build on our understanding of how friction modifiers function (in solution and at the solid/ liquid interface). We have built a molecular understanding and now need to relate this to the resultant friction.

Details of the Programme:

We have designed and built a unique tribometer which fits into neutron and x-ray reflectometers. This allows us to probe the conformation of organic molecules at moving metal interfaces. Linking the measurable structural changes with inline friction determination will allow linkages to be made between structure and friction. We will link our experimental observations with modelling of the flow patterns over the interface

The project will involve close collaboration with the Chemistry Department at Edinburgh University, where molecular dynamic simulations of similar systems are being performed. We will make extensive use of neutron beamlines at the Rutherford lab (Oxfordshire), ILL (Grenoble) and NIST (Washington, DC).

Relevant references:

Alexander J. Armstrong, Thomas M. McCoy, Rebecca J. L. Welbourn, Robert Barker, Jonathan Rawle, Beatrice Cattoz, Peter J. Dowding, and Alexander F. Routh, Towards a high-shear neutron and X-ray reflectometry environment for the study of surface-active materials at solid-liquid interfaces, Scientific Reports 11:9713 2021

Alexander J. Armstrong, Rui F. G. Apostolo, Thomas M. McCoy, Finian J. Allen, Rebecca J. L. Welbourn, James Doutch, Beatrice N. Cattoz, Peter J. Dowding, Alexander F. Routh, and Philip J. Camp, Experimental and Simulation Study of Self-Assembly and Surface Adsorption of Glycerol Monooleate in n-Dodecane onto Iron Oxide. Nanoscale 16: 1952-1970 2024. 

To be considered for this studentship, applicants must be eligible for Home Fees, as there is no additional funding available for Overseas applicants.  Applicants must also have a high 2.i in all previous degrees.  Applicants who have studied outside the UK will need to check the International Qualifications Equivalancy prior to applying.  For further admissions criteria and information on applying, please see: https://www.student-funding.cam.ac.uk/fund/phd-in-determination-of-the-structure-and-performance-of-organic-friction-modifiers-2023

Please quote reference NQ40660 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Advert information