Cleaning of pores and surfaces using ultrapure water
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Scandinavian Water Technology AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 488 000 |
| Project duration | February 2020 - March 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Research infrastructure - utilisation and collaboration |
| Call | Industrial pilot projects for the utilisation of neutron and photon based techniques at large-scale infrastructures - Autumn 2019 |
| End-of-project report | 2019-05275_SWATAB.pdf (pdf, 395 kB) |
Important results from the project
Textiles are combinations of fibers, with pores within a wide range of sizes. "Dirt" consists largely of particles stuck in such pores. Using using synchrotron-based X-ray scattering (SAXS / WAXS) we will be able to track the number, size and dispersion rate of particles from a model system of a pore matrix in water, in time-resolved measurements. The results will help to understand the mechanisms of dispersion in DIRO water compared to other types of liquid. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of DIRO water laundry. collaboration between industry and research.
Expected long term effects
When DIRO water was used as the dispersant, initially the total SAXS intensity increased until reaching a maximum after about 100 seconds as more nanoparticles entered the cross-section of the channels, Figure 4. The intensity then smoothly reduced reaching a minimum after about 900 seconds (15 minutes). DIRO water was able to extract the nanoparticles from the pore in a continuous manner whereas de-ionised (milli-q) water showed a variation in the extraction rate. The DIRO water caused no degradation to the nanoparticles as the dimension of the nanoparticles did not change.
Approach and implementation
A small angle X-ray experiment was carried out at the CoSAXS beamline at MAX IV. A thermoplastic (COC) microfluidic chip (ChipShop) with a crossed slot design was installed within a 3D printed plastic holder on the motorized sample stage at the sample position. Ludox CL silica nanoparticles were chosen to be representative of the dirt particles. By using SAXS to detect the presence of nanoparticles it was possible to follow the dynamics of the dispersion on nanoparticles from a microfluidic pore (channel).