Multifunctional Filler-modified Polymers for Enhanced Reliability of Unconventional Oil Processing Equipment

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Polymer coatings and seals possess attractive properties in terms of corrosion and wear resistant characteristics for piping and pumping equipment. In two related sub-projects, the addition of mirco- and nano-scale fillers into polymer-based materials will be studied to enhance thermal properties for applications involving elevated temperature conditions, and improve shape conformity during continued wear-induced material loss. Specifically, the effect of nanographene platelet (NGP) fillers and possible synergistic influences of other soft or hard filler materials will be investigated. The aim of this research is to expand the knowledge base for filler-modified polymers in the context of wear protection, ultimately leading to novel polymer systems for wear-resistant coatings and seals. The scientific and technical objectives will be pursued using a comprehensive approach consisting of modeling techniques, in conjunction with experiments. This approach will foster a thorough understanding of the material behavior and enable the systematic development of materials with desirable properties. Through collaboration with the industrial partner, Syncrude Canada, technical knowledge will be transferred effectively to a broad range of operators in the natural resource and energy sector as well as to equipment manufacturers and material suppliers. This project, therefore, does not only promise direct benefits to partner and university researchers in terms of new knowledge and HQP training, but also to a significant part to Canadian industry through improving equipment reliability and reduced maintenance costs.