Research Areas
The Laboratory of Surfactants and Associative Systems (LASSA) is dedicated to the study and development of innovative products and technological solutions involving surfactants, polymers, and nanotechnology, with a particular emphasis on smart stimulus-responsive systems. The laboratory integrates expertise in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Rheology, and Nanotechnology to advance research and innovation.
Watch the presentation video of our research areas here!
Development of Associative Systems for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)
This research line focuses on the development of intelligent associative systems that act synergistically, considering field conditions, to improve oil recovery from mature reservoirs. These intelligent systems include surfactants, nanoparticles (nanofluids), nanocapsules, and nanogels, aiming to increase sweep and/or displacement efficiency, as well as to improve conformance control through flow diversion.
Nanocapsules/Nanoparticles for Sustained/Controlled Release of Additives
This research line focuses on the development of polymeric or lipid-based nanocapsules/nanoparticles for the sustained and controlled release of additives. Applications include both oil reservoirs and other sectors such as the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.
Rheology of Wormlike Micelles
The objective of this research line is to study the development of surfactants that form wormlike micelles in aqueous media. The focus includes establishing structure–property relationships among surfactants and understanding their micellar behavior, together with rheological characterization under different conditions, in order to promote applications such as enhanced oil recovery.
Development of Intelligent Nanostructured Associative Systems
This research line focuses on the development of nanostructured systems capable of responding to external stimuli, including changes in salinity, pH, temperature, and other factors. These systems comprise functionalized organic and inorganic nanoparticles, micelle-forming surfactants, and polymers.
Development of Additives for Oil Well Drilling Fluids
The objective of this research line is the development of novel additives for oil well drilling fluids based on polymers, surfactants, and nanoparticles. The main classes of additives developed include rheology modifiers, lubricants, materials for combating lost circulation (LCM), emulsifiers, and shale-reactivity inhibitors.
Synthesis of Novel Surfactants
This research line is dedicated to the development of novel surfactants aimed at exploring structural possibilities that respect the nature of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments, since commercially available products often limit the realization of such systems. The line is also dedicated to exploring the potential of Brazilian raw materials in the development of innovative products.
Development of Cosmetic Products
This research line is dedicated to the development of innovative products for the cosmetics industry through optimized and sustainable processes, with a particular focus on exploring the potential of Brazilian oils as raw materials.
In addition, this research line involves the development and physicochemical evaluation of formulations, particularly with respect to the rheological behavior of emulsions and suspensions.
