First achievements Interim Report FFG Project Green Frontrunner
Ionic liquids and their lubricating properties
Introduction of our new team member
First achievements Interim Report FFG Project Green Frontrunner
After one year of project duration, the objectives formulated in the funding agreement are considered to be particularly topical and realistic to achieve.
An important goal was already achieved, we demonstrated the recyclability of the imidazolium-based ionic liquids EMIM OAc and EMIM OOc that are used as direct solvents in various processes such as the HighPerCell® process, but also for the production of cellulose-based microbeads as a substitute for plastic microparticles (Naturbeads | Cellulose Solutions for a Green Planet | Microplastics). Recyclability of the ionic liquids is tested in combination with Cellulose pulps obtained from partners and customers. For individual IL/Cellulose pulp combinations recycling rates of the ionic liquids higher than 99.5 % were achieved without losing dissolution capacity in the follow up dissolution step. Another highlight to be mentioned is the filing of a patent utilizing distillable ionic liquids (DILs) for the selective removal of lignin from various Biomass feedstocks or for the pretreatment of biomass in general. In addition to the selection of the right distillable ionic liquid, the patent describes the crucial technology to reseparate the digested biomass from the ionic liquid, in other words, again the recycling of the distillable ionic liquid is described. This so-called HIPE-REC® (High Performance Recovery) technology provides the key to success for e.g. biofuel production and will be able to contribute greatly to CO2 reduction.
Roland Kalb, Executive Director R&D / Founder: “I have already presented the HIPE-REC® technology at relevant conferences and meetings with great resonance this year. Furthermore, our cooperation with the JBEI (Joint Bio Energy Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA) has been intensified, in order to further advance the overall technology for the production of biofuels and bio-platform chemicals with ionic liquids.”
During the last few years, research activities focusing on ionic liquids and their use as lubricant or hydraulic fluid steadily increased. The „ideal lubricant” in general is safe and easy to handle with excellent lubricating properties. Ionic liquids offer interesting possibilities and fulfill several requirements thereof.
Main advantages of ionic liquids are
non-flammability
non-volatility
excellent thermal stability up to 300°C
high mechanical and chemical stability
low compressibility
In close cooperation with the LaOH (Oil hydraulics laboratory) of the University of Maribor, several ionic liquids were tested. The „ideal lubricant” in general, offers an optimum viscosity via a wide range of temperature, which can be achieved by a shear stable fluid with high viscosity index (VI, indicating no temperature-viscosity dependency) and a low friction coefficient at the start- and operating temperature.
Among the tested ionic liquids, some of them represent outstanding values for VI, covering three viscosity classes of a standard mineral oil. Additionally, the welding load, the wear diameter and the friction coefficient are considerably better than those of the mineral hydraulic oil. Priliminary results on hydraulic fluid pump tests indicate low corrosion or oxidation and a high material compatibility. Most of the tested candidates are standard products and available at proionic.
We thank Prof. Dr. Darko Lovrec and his team from the University of Maribor for their cooperation, intense contribution, and deep expertise in this topic.
Give us a call or send us an email. For more information on ionic liquids and their use as lubricant oils please contact Markus Damm
Head of R&D markus.damm@proionic.com
T: +43 (664) 889 339 43
Introduction of our new team member, Yvonne Oosterlee
As a pioneer in the field of ionic liquids and the hereto belonging corresponding applications, with customers all over the world, we are happy to announce that we are expanding our Proionic family with Yvonne Oosterlee.
Yvonne will assist the Proionic’s management team, in particular the sales process: receiving orders, customer communication, up-to the shipments to our customers worldwide.
Yvonne was born in Australia but has been living in Graz for many years. As an English native speaker, coupled with her strong customer commitment in international organisations in her past career, we are happy to strengthen our team with Yvonne’s support, a further step in our company growth, globally!
Yvonne Oosterlee, Sales:
“I am happy to see that the proionics Team, (next to our unique products), values my communication skills and customer care. This gives me a good feeling that I really contribute to the success of our team, especially when I can communicate in English!
I would like to use this opportunity to thank you all for your support and warm welcome, having me joining the proionic team!.”
Any questions to one of our products? Do not hesitate and contact Yvonne Oosterlee yvonne.oosterlee@proionic.com
T: +43 (316) 4009-4200
