Reaction induced permeability changes in polyphase materials at University of Leeds on FindAPhD.com

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Dr T Mueller No more applications being accepted Competition Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

About the Project

This exciting, cross-disciplinary project aims to establish a quantitative understanding of the relationship between microstructure and fluid flow in systems where multiple, simultaneous reactions occur within polyphase, composite materials. This knowledge is a fundamental necessity when trying to optimise the performance of porous systems. Recent advances in micro- and nano-analytical techniques only now allow the spatial and temporal evolution of, for example, hydration and carbonation reactions to be characterised and quantified. This consequently allows these changes to be correlated with transport properties, such as permeability. The project uses an innovative combination of advanced experiments, novel analytical protocols and numerical modelling, developing a new quantitative approach to determine kinetic parameters and predict system behaviour in polyphase materials that interact with a fluid.

In this project, you will work with leading scientists at the University of Leeds to identify and quantify parameters controlling the mechanisms and kinetics of hydration and decarbonation reactions in polyphase materials. You will present your findings in leading journals, and at internal and international research conferences. You will study a well-defined polymineralic system with 2 or 3 components undergoing a hydration and decarbonation reaction to address the following objectives:
1. Quantify reaction progress of diffusive driven hydration/decarbonation reactions.
2. Quantify porosity evolution in composite materials as a function of reaction progress during hydration/decarbonation reactions.
3. Visualize/model the evolution of fluid pathways linked to changes in porosity.
4. Determine developing stress fields linked to positive volume changes accompanying hydration.
5. Visualize/determine nucleation rates of secondary phases through net transfer reactions and link those to effective element fluxes.
6. Develop a generalized model for polyphase systems undergoing continuous changes in mineralogy, porosity and fluid – solid ratio

Funding Notes

This PhD is in competition for a School of Earth and Environment EPSRC DTP 3.5 years scholarship and eligibility is for UK or EU nationals who have been resident in the UK for 3 years immediately preceding the commencement of the PhD. The successful candidate will receive UK/EU tuition fees (£4,500 for 2018/19), a tax-free stipend (around £14,800 for 2018/19) and research training and support budget. The start date for the PhD will be 1 October 2018.

References

M. Whittaker et al., The role of the alumina content of slag, plus the presence of additional sulfate on the hydration and microstructure of Portland cement-slag blends, Cem. Conc. Res., (2014), 66, 91-101.
O. Ogirigbo, L. Black, Influence of slag composition and temperature on the hydration and microstructure of slag blended cements, Const. Build. Mater., (2016),126, 496-507
L. Black et al. Structural features of C-S-H(I) and its carbonation in air - A Raman spectroscopic study. Part II: Carbonated phases, J. Am. Ceram. Soc., (2007), 90(3), 908-917
T. Müller , LP Baumgartner, CT Foster Jr, JR Bowman: Crystal size distribution of periclase in contact metamorphic dolomite marbles from the southern

Where will I study?

University of Leeds

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Reaction induced permeability changes in polyphase materials

University of Leeds Faculty of Environment