The Synthesis and Continuous Manufacture of Novel, High Performing Polymeric Lubricants for the Next Generation of Electric Transportation

This PhD project is in collaboration with BP Castrol and will apply both chemistry and engineering to develop novel polymeric lubricants for electric transportation. Polyurea based lubricating greases have attracted much interest due to its excellent oxidative and thermal stability, good load bearing character and promising material compatibility with elastomers and paints.

Currently, a single polyurea technology has been developed and synthesised at production scale at the BP facilities for the manufacture of such a grease. However, it is desired to further develop this technology and in particular, remove the use of toxic di-isocyanate as a core reagent. This project therefore aims to develop:

- A series of isocyanate free polyurea polymers that have the desired properties to fit with the intended end use application.

- Continuous manufacturing techniques to manufacture high performance polyurea lubricants. Specifically, microwave technology and reactive extrusion will be considered as new manufacturing options for polyurea based lubricating grease