Overview
Applications are invited for a PhD scholarship as part of a four-year research project that aims to develop and optimise limestone calcined clay cement technology using abundant local clay resources in the UK. The project is funded by EPSRC and is titled “Engineered UK clays for production of low-carbon cements” (https://gow.epsrc.ukri.org/NGBOViewGrant.aspx?GrantRef=EP/W022583/1). The project involves a consortium of academic investigators from 3 institutions (Imperial College London, University of Leeds, British Geological Survey), and various industrial and academic partners in the UK and internationally.
The PhD student will be based in the Materials Section of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, supervised by Professor Hong Wong, Professor Chris Cheeseman and Dr Rupert Myers. The PhD research will be conducted alongside other PhD students and post-doctoral Research Associates working on complementary topics within the consortium. This position offers a world-class range of training and development opportunities in a highly stimulating environment, as well as access to internationally leading academics and industrial partners, research facilities, and networks.
Project details:
The overarching aim of this project is to develop a fundamental understanding of the microstructural features and durability performance of low-carbon cement-based materials containing activated UK clays. Specifically, the project will quantify the relationships between reactivity, reaction kinetics and microstructural features governing the performance of clay-blended cementitious systems. Long-term durability assessment of concretes against sulfate attack and reinforcement corrosion induced by chloride ingress and carbonation, will be carried out. The research will require the use of advanced experimental techniques to study microstructure, mass transport properties and degradation mechanisms for a range of mix compositions and exposure conditions. This may involve thermodynamic modelling of phase assemblage, and multi-scale modelling of mass transport and deterioration processes. The data will be used to obtain a complete understanding of system chemistries, define replacement envelopes, and formulate predictive service-life models to support field trials and life-cycle assessment.
The main research tasks may include the following:
· Study the reactions and microstructure development of calcined clay-limestone-cement systems using a range of advanced techniques, and guide optimisation at the concrete scale.
· Establish the durability of clay-blended concretes against sulfate attack, carbonation and chloride ingress, and reinforcement corrosion.
· Formulate predictive service-life modelling to support field trials and life-cycle assessment.
· Establish correlations between reactivity, microstructure and performance of clay-blended systems and benchmark these against conventional cement systems.
· Guide the development of clay-blended cements and concretes for field applications based on a fundamental understanding of the chemistry-microstructure-property relationships.
The research will be carried out within the world-leading Imperial Centre for Infrastructure Materials, at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/infrastructure-materials/), and collaborate with several PhD students and postdoctoral Research Associates working in the project consortium, at Imperial and the University of Leeds. They will thus receive strong mentoring in a highly stimulating academic research environment, with access to internationally leading academics, industrial partners, research facilities, and networks.
We envisage that this PhD project will contribute to the development of a new generation of engineered low-carbon cements based on low cost locally abundant clay and limestone resources, for eco-efficiency, self-sufficiency and sustainability of the construction sector.
Requirements:
The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic and highly-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at Imperial College London. The candidate will have a good first-class degree (or international equivalent) and Master level qualification in a STEM subject, e.g. Materials Science, Civil Engineering Materials or related areas. Knowledge and experience in chemistry, microstructure and durability assessment of cementitious materials are essential. A background in advanced materials characterisation would be desirable. You will have an inquisitive mind, strong intellect, and a hands-on rigorous approach to research. A strong command of the English language and excellent communication and presentation skills are essential.
How to apply:
Applicants are encouraged to contact Professor Hong Wong ([Email Address Removed]) for further details, informal discussions and information about the project.
Applicants wishing to be considered for this opportunity should send the following documents to Professor Hong Wong:
· Recent CV including details of academic record, class ranking if available, and research experience
· Covering letter explaining their motivation and suitability (1-page maximum)
· Contact details of two academic referees
Application via the Imperial College Registry is not necessary at this stage.
Applications will be regularly reviewed until the position is filled.
The expected start date of this PhD project is 1 October 2023, although early start dates may be considered.
Funding and eligibility:
The studentship will provide funding for 3.5 years including tuition fees at UK/Home rate, a tax-free stipend at the standard UKRI London rate (currently £19,668 per year for the 2022/23 academic year) and research expenses. Full funding is available to UK Home students. The funding can be used to partially support an international student.
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