ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal
This is a page describing data taken during an experiment at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. Information about the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source can be found at https://www.isis.stfc.ac.uk.
STRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF POLY-IONIC LIQUID DISPERSANTS IN DECANE
Abstract: The aggregation behaviour of poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) dispersants in nonpolar media plays a key role in stabilizing carbonaceous particles in engine lubrication systems. Conventional polymeric dispersants are widely used to suppress soot aggregation; however, ionic liquid based dispersants have emerged as promising alternatives due to their tunable ionic functionality and improved interactions in low-dielectric environments. Despite these advantages, the mechanisms governing carbon particle stabilization and destabilization in nonpolar oils remain poorly understood. Identifying the optimal dispersant concentration is therefore essential to prevent soot aggregation and maintain lubricant performance. Carbon dispersant interactions are influenced by dispersant concentration and chemical functionality, the carbon-to-dispersant ratio, and the viscosity and dielectric properties of the oil. Preliminary surface tension and SAXS results indicate reverse micellization of PIL dispersants in n-decane, forming aggregates of approximately 75 nm, while previous SANS measurements reported a radius of gyration of about 40 nm. In this study, the SANS2D (1D scattering) instrument will be used to investigate the aggregation behaviour of two chemically distinct PIL dispersants in n-decane. The results will provide nanoscale insight into PIL aggregation and its role in carbon-in-oil stabilization, guiding the design of improved dispersants for engine lubricant formulations.
Principal Investigator: Dr Mohamad Danial Shafiq
Experimenter: Professor JitKang Lim
Local Contact: Dr Lauren Matthews
Experimenter: Dr Ku Ishak Ku Marsilla
Experimenter: Dr Gregory Smith
DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2600023
ISIS Experiment Number: RB2600023
| Part DOI | Instrument | Public release date | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2600023-1 | SANS2D | 06 June 2029 | Download |
Publisher: STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source
Data format: RAW/Nexus
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Data Citation
The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research
publication is as:
[author], [date], [title], [publisher],
[doi]
For Example:
Dr Mohamad Danial Shafiq et al; (2026): STRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF POLY-IONIC LIQUID DISPERSANTS IN DECANE, STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2600023
Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.
