Fully Funded PhD Enhancement of Concrete & Mortar Mixes Using Graphene Nanomaterials
Fully FundedManchester, United Kingdomphd· Covers tuition fees (UK), stipend of £21,611 for 3.5 years, and an annual research budget of £1,000
Project Overview
This PhD project will enhance the mechanical properties of concrete materials using graphene products, assessing mechanical and durability properties to identify market-ready products.
Basic Information - Project Title: Enhancement of concrete and mortar mixes using graphene nanomaterials - Host Institution: University of Salford - School: School of Science, Engineering and Environment (SEE) - Supervisor: Dr Gareth Whittleston - Study Level: PhD - Application Deadline: Applications accepted all year round - Funding: Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide) - Location: Manchester, United Kingdom -
Building on established research and data undertaken at the University, there is a breadth of research opportunities available in this field. This includes adapting mix designs, assessing mechanical properties and assessing durability properties.
Research Context
Recent research work at the University of Salford has focused upon enhancing the mechanical properties of concrete materials using graphene products. The incorporation of graphene nano-particles in concrete can improve mechanical properties and as a result has received growing attention in the research community. Studies have shown that graphene can enhance compressive strength by up to 100% with just 0.01–0.1% dosage, improve flexural strength by 35–50%, and increase tensile strength by up to 20%.
What You Will Do
You will be expected to undertake laboratory tests on graphene enhanced concrete or mortar mixes, process the results and identify market ready products.
Research Aims
- Adapting mix designs for graphene-enhanced concrete
- Assessing mechanical properties
- Assessing durability properties
- Identifying market-ready products
Supervisor Profile: Dr Gareth Whittleston
Dr Whittleston has a passion for civil and structural engineering research and has had so for over 15 years. He has supervised research in many different subjects from structural glass, to prefabricated timber, to concrete materials to name but a few. His research specialisms are rooted in practical and industrial relevance, with a current focus on sustainable concrete materials. He provides a welcoming, approachable and supportive experience for all the researchers that he has supervised with a focus on a collegiate, team approach.
Eligibility Requirements
- Academic Background: Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, or related discipline
- Degree Classification: First Class or 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent)
