Main activities and roles in AlchemiSSts

IPN plays a decisive role in the project as a research player and technology developer and actively contributes to the testing and validation of innovative approaches and ideas. Within the surfactant value chain, IPN is dedicated to the development of optimized polymer-based surfactants synthesized using controlled radical polymerization techniques, namely SARA-ATRP.

IPN’s work focuses on optimizing the synthesis of amphiphilic block copolymers that have already been synthesized and evaluated as tailor-made polymeric dispersants. These novel materials are intended to replace petroleum-based surfactants and zinc salt/naphthenic acid additives traditionally used in lubricants. By applying SARA-ATRP synthesis, IPN has formulated solutions with improved mechanical properties that form the basis for sustainable, water-based and safer lubricants with market potential.

IPN leverages its extensive infrastructure equipped with state-of-the-art polymer synthesis and analytical tools, advanced equipment such as DSC, DMTA and TGA for thermal evaluations and specialized instruments such as RMN, FTIR, GPC with multi-detectors and SAXS for structural characterization. With these state-of-the-art facilities, IPN is able to drive innovation and make an important contribution to the development of sustainable surfactants that will be developed as part of the project.