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Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) is a technique particularly suited for the structural investigation of partially ordered materials, usually applied to condensed matter systems. SAXS provides information about larger scale bulk microstructure within a sample, usually in the size range from approximately ~1nm up to around 300nm.
The high intensity X-rays available at a synchrotron provide two chief benefits over lab-based instruments.
SAXS can be applied to systems that are either difficult or impossible to crystallise, may be complex or composite systems or materials with large scale self-organisation. Due to the wide range of sample types, SAXS has been employed in a wide range of applications from drug delivery systems and protein solution shape analysis through to formulations, phase behaviour, catalysis, advanced materials development and engineering.
The control of crystallisation is a perennial problem in many aspects of life – for example: the manufacturing of foodstuffs, polymer products, pharmaceuticals and the operation of transportation fuels. There has always been a wish to be able to change the nucleation and growth of crystallising species simply and efficiently. This would enable the control of wax crystals from diesel fuel, speed up polymer processing, and make pharmaceuticals and dairy products more efficiently.
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With 27% of global energy consumption occurring in the residential sector, harvesting and storing thermal energy is increasingly important.
A promising technology is based on phase-change materials (PCMs) that absorb or release large amounts of heat when they change state, e.g. from solid to liquid.
PCMs incorporated into building materials could remove excess heat during the day and release it at night, with minimum carbon emissions. One approach in stabilising PCMs for use is nanoscale confinement in core-shell structures.
Fuel combustion in diesel engines leads to the production of nitrogen oxides (NOx) which are harmful to the environment. Retarding the fuel injection timing and recirculating the exhaust gas back into the engine reduces overall NOx emissions, however, this can also lead to the formation of diesel soot particles within the engine oil. Excessive build up of soot in engine oil accelerates engine wear, ultimately leading to lower fuel efficiency and premature engine failure.
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Management and disposal of higher activity radioactive wastes is a significant issue across the developed world as many countries with a history of nuclear power generation and military activities seek long term solutions for these materials. The most common disposal choice is containment within a deep geological disposal facility (GDF). To remain effective over the long term, the design of a GDF must limit the mobility and migration of radionuclides.
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Hair care is a rapidly developing science. Consumers demand more from their products in terms of sensory perception and functionality. Rapid innovation into market is key to growth. Increased product complexity requires greater understanding of the interplay between components and an accurate description of the product microstructure and its rheological and dispersion properties are essential.
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The “freezing” of diesel fuel in winter has been a problem since its inception. Wax crystals nucleate and grow and block fuel lines and filters which can lead to vehicle failures and motorists being stranded. Additives are used to control these crystals but, over recent years, the use of biofuels (fatty acid methyl esters) within diesel blends has become increasingly common. This can adversely affect the low temperature operability of the fuel. Legislation demands that biofuels are part of diesel blends throughout the EU, with levels expected to increase.
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Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are currently very inefficient in terms of energy use. An electric field governs the direction of the liquid crystal molecules (which switches each pixel on or off) but currently a combination of polarisation filters and colour filters are used to view each pixel and provide colour. Each of these filters also block some of the light. The result is that only approximately 9% of the backlight is emitted from the display itself so is important to find alternative ways of controlling pixels and colour in LCD displays to reduce cost and energy consumption.
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Water injection in a well known method used to increase oil recovery. Until around 2000, mechanisms behind this were believed to be physical (maintaining reservoir pressure) in nature. Through the development of BP’s LoSal® (reduced salinity) enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technology, modification of the brine chemistry of the injection fluid has been shown to play an important role in oil recovery performance.
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Only a very small proportion of the surfactant used in cleaning products is actually needed to provide the cleaning function. The majority of the surfactant used in formulations is added as a rheological modifier (thickener). Many surfactants are derived from petrochemicals so finding alternative and sustainable sources of ingredients with similar physicochemical properties is an important formulation challenge for consumer products manufacturers.
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Removing environmental contaminants such as heavy metals from polluted water systems is a problem across the globe. New advanced materials are needed that can prevent pollution and “clean up” existing contaminated environments. Green rust (GR) compounds are a unique class of materials which form in natural environments and can be synthesised in the laboratory. The unique structure and chemistry of GR nanoparticles means that these phases can chemically transform (reduce) and immobilise many toxic metals such as chromium and uranium. This process can significantly reduce the bioavailability of the contaminants.
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Artificial heart valves have been used since the 1960s to replace natural heart valves damaged through disease. Each of the four valves enables unimpeded blood flow through the heart itself and from the heart to the major arteries. As the heart beats the valve opens and closes, subjecting it to pressure loading and unloading. Artificial heart valves must be able to withstand repeated cycles of tensile loading and unloading in realistic biomedical conditions.
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Elastin allows tissues in humans and other mammals to stretch and return to original shape e.g. during respiration or heart beats. The schematic on the right shows how many tropoelastin monomers (blue) can selfassemble and cross-link (red) to form elastin but the structure of the soluble precursor of elastin, tropoelastin, is not well understood.
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Industrial Liaison Office
