L2M – Carbon Dots of Asphaltenes Origin for Friction Reduction

My technology introduces AsphaDots, a lubricant derived from asphaltenes-based carbon dots. This innovative product aims to address friction and wear issues in steel and related materials, commonly found in sliding, rolling, or contact interfaces in industrial machinery, as well as in natural and biological systems. Water-based lubricants have become alternatives to petroleum-based lubricants in a range of industrial applications. There is great need to solve this problem because friction and wear in moving mechanical systems have negative effects on durability, environmental compatibility, and efficiency. Most commercial lubricants are petroleum-based with inherent environmental concerns, difficult to dispose waste (used) lubricants, and easily attract and retain dirt and wear particles. The increasing scarcity of petroleum resources and growing environmental concerns have prompted the development of alternative solutions for friction reduction.
The key concept in dealing with these friction, wear, and attendant environmental problems is the replacement of petroleum-based lubricants with water-based analogues like AsphaDots. Water offers several advantages as a lubricant including low cost, abundance, environmental friendliness, effective cooling, easy cleaning, and enhanced thermal conductivity. As customers are searching for petroleum-based lubricants alternatives, AsphaDots-based lubricants are non-toxic, cheap, and easily re-usable as their impressive hydrophilicity allows filtering of wear particles and dirt in waste AsphaDots lubricants.
Two companies have already shown interest in the technology. Currently, 10 g AsphaDots per batch can be prepared in our laboratory. And we hope to develop a prototype that enables the preparation of 10 kg per batch.

Faculty Supervisor:

Milana Trifkovic

Student:

Partner:

Edmonton Unlimited

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Public administration

University:

University of Calgary

Program: