Indian Oil Partnership

A new "wonder substance" of the 21st century - ionic liquid - is being explored in a partnership between India’s largest company, Indian Oil Corporation, and Deakin University. The researchers hope to use this new substance to turn the idea of biodegradable engine oil into a reality.

IndianOil is a major petrochemical company, with its core refining business currently being integrated with other activities, and large investments being made in exploration, production, and import/marketing ventures for oil and gas.

IndianOil and Deakin signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2010, to foster collaboration in education and research - with joint projects ensuing in areas such as materials science and nanotechnology.

Over the past decade, scientists have been working to harness the special characteristics of ionic liquids - a salt that does not solidify - and tailor them to specific requirements. The Deakin - IndianOil collaboration enabled PhD student Bhawna Khemchandani - one of a growing number of Deakin students studying within India under the DIRI program - to research biodegradable lubricants with the company.

Ms Khemchandani visited Deakin’s Institute for Frontier Materials in Australia twice for her doctorate, collaborating with colleagues and supervisor Professor Maria Forsyth - one of Australia’s leading electromaterials experts. It was fellow student, Anthony Somers, who showed her a strand of ionic liquids that were environmentally friendly and could potentially be used as an additive to biodegradable oil - providing the lubrication essential to prevent seizing, corrosion and wear.

The research is now at the commercial stage, with Deakin and IndianOil working together to develop sustainable, biodegradable oils, as well as superior oil additives that could improve fuel efficiency.

Ms Khemchandani has also been able to continue with her research. She is now employed as a research scholar within IndianOil - and is directly involved in the collaborative project.