Synthesis and Characterization of Ethylene Carbonate Modified Polyisobutylene Succinimide Dispersants

Abstract

Succinimide-based dispersants are the most commonly used dispersants in the oil industry. They are used in engine oil to prevent the aggregation of carbon-rich particles generated during engine operation, and consequently reduce the production of sludge and the emission of fine particles into the air that cause air pollution. This project aims at studying the efficiency of a series of non-ionic dispersants at stabilizing carbon-rich particles in an apolar solvent. The dispersants are composed of two polyisobutylene apolar chains and a polyamine core that was modified by reacting the dispersant with ethylene carbonate. This thesis describes the synthesis of a series of unmodified and modified dispersants with different amine contents. It also includes different techniques used in the characterization of the chemical composition of the dispersants, as well as the synthesis of the model compounds which enabled the characterization of the dispersants. A preliminary study on the micelle formation of the dispersants is also presented in this thesis.