Grantee Research Project Results

The Correlation Between Emulsion Instability and Performance Deterioration in Metalworking Fluids: Toward a Better Design

EPA Grant Number: U915554
Title: The Correlation Between Emulsion Instability and Performance Deterioration in Metalworking Fluids: Toward a Better Design
Investigators: Zimmerman, Julie B.
Institution: University of Michigan
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: August 1, 1999 through August 1, 2002
Project Amount: $102,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1999) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Academic Fellowships , Fellowship - Environmental , Safer Chemicals

Objective:

The objective of this research is to better understand the field conditions that lead to instability of the emulsions, and demonstrate the correlation between deterioration in fluid performance and emulsion instability. This information then will be used to predict fluid failure so that steps can be taken to prevent disposal. Additionally, this information may provide insight into the chemistry of a more stable fluid that will not break down under common field conditions.

Approach:

As the emulsions become unstable, there will be shift to a higher average particle size and a wider particle size distribution. The field conditions to be examined include changes in pH, concentration of water-hardness ions, variations in the oil-to-emulsifier ratio, and concentration and type of metal ions. Emulsion instability will be measured using a photon correlation spectroscopy to determine the particle size distribution. The metalworking fluid performance will be tested according to ASTM D5619-94, Standard Test Method for Comparing Metal Removal Fluids Using the Tapping Torque Machine.

Supplemental Keywords:

fellowship, metalworking fluids, emulsions, emulsion stability, fluidic systems.

Progress and Final Reports:

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.