Northwestern University Ph.D. students win second annual BASF science competition

Students present novel approach to synthetic lubricants

TARRYTOWN, NY, August 15, 2016 -- Students from Northwestern University’s chemistry and mechanical engineering departments won the second annual BASF science competition with a proposal for high performance lubricant base fluid via targeted functionalization of alpha olefins. The team presented new technology that may improve oil performance and engine life.

BASF hosted the science competition at its research and development location in Tarrytown, NY. The goal of the competition was to solve the following challenge: What chemistries can be used to develop a synthetic fluid to meet the needs of tomorrow’s high performance, high-efficiency engines and transmissions.

“The novel idea presented by the Northwestern “Woildcats” team clearly demonstrated the challenge objectives of collaboration, business attractiveness, and technical feasibility of their multifunctional additive,” said Mike Costello, Ph.D., BASF Global Technology Lead, Manual Transmission Fluids. “Their solution incorporated the properties of a viscosity improver, friction modifier and anti-wear additive in one molecule.”

Three teams of students presented proposals to a panel of BASF executive judges. The proposed ideas will be shared with many of the BASF business units for possible further development. The two other finalist teams represented Clemson University and the University of California – Merced.

All three presenting teams received cash awards.

Download photo on right, suggested caption: Standing with their BASF coach, Lauren Cafiero in the middle, the students from Northwestern University are (left to right) Michael Desanker, Blake Johnson, David Pickens III and Jie Lu.

About BASF

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has nearly 17,500 employees in North America, and had sales of $17.4 billion in 2015. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.us.
 
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 112,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of more than €70 billion in 2015. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information at www.basf.com.

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