Date of Award
8-1-2018
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Physics
First Advisor
Sivakumar, Poopalasingmam
Abstract
The spectral analysis techniques afforded us from the field of physics has enabled us to explore the spectral signatures of trace contaminants and degradation products in used or in service engine oil through atomic and molecular spectroscopy. Here we have examined the need to address proper preparation of calibrating samples for infrared spectroscopy analysis by inducing emulsification and have evaluated multiple procedures for proper emulsification of samples with the intent to help establish the protocols that are not explicitly set forth in the ASTM International standard. We have also explored the use of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy techniques to examine the suppression of the O–H stretching mode of water due to the influence of ethylene glycol, which may help in the quantification of water when both are present in oil. This was done in conjunction with exploring alternative methods for direct and indirect measurement of the glycol contamination by use of UV/Vis spectroscopy, Raman, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. An exploration of FT-IR and UV/Vis data on the oxidation of oil by means of ANOVA calculations has led to the reporting of highly significant differences in the data of differing oxidation times and in regions of the spectrum not known to have been previously reported.
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