Coventry University and the BRE Trust are offering a fully-funded PhD studentship to investigate using clays in low-carbon cement production. It will examine the properties of UK clays, their use in cement for mortars and concretes, and the sustainability and performance in service environments of these materials, while applications, complete with full supporting documentation, must be received by 14 November 2019 by 4pm at the latest.
Coventry University writes:
A fully-funded PhD studentship in partnership with the BRE Trust is available to study the use of naturally occurring clays as reactive (pozzolanic) materials for low carbon cement production. The project will examine the availability, mineralogy, and chemistry of clays in the United Kingdom, analysed by a range of classical and instrumental techniques. These will be thermally activated and their reactivity towards alkalis examined. These materials will be used to produce blended cements and their properties examined to establish their hydration properties, strength and durability. Ultimately, these materials will be used to produce mortars and concretes and their utility as engineering materials explored. The project will consider the sustainability of such materials, their role in carbon footprint reduction along with their performance in a range of service environments.
The project is largely focused on the material science aspects of these cements and would suit graduates in materials or earth sciences, chemistry or civil engineering, although enthusiastic applicants from other disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Candidates with some experience of research will be at an advantage. This project will be guided by experts both from industry and collaborating universities but without any commercial restrictions on the research.
