Physical and Chemical Properties of Materials for Conservation

Historic England’s science for conservation and restoration requires materials compatible with the natural building fabric. History shows that the use of inappropriate materials accelerates the degradation rather than conserving heritage structures. The Romans used pozzolanic additions such as volcanic ash and brick dust to improve their mortars. Today there is an abundance of both natural and manmade pozzolans but it is important to establish those most appropriate for use in conservation.

This PhD will use state of the art materials characterisation techniques to develop the chemistry for conservation mortars. These will be specially engineered to ensure predictable mechanical strength, vapour permeability, flexibility, autogeneous healing, colour and workability making them ideal for conservation and restoration.

Candidates should have a first class or upper second honours degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline such Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or equivalent qualifications and/or relevant experience. To be eligible applicants must either be UK citizens or citizens of any other EU member state