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Job Materials innovation institute (M2i) - PhD Researcher (~337)

PhD Researcher (~337)

Job description

This project aims at studying the use of hydrotalcites for improving the durability of concrete, in particular in environments (sea water, de-icing salts) where chloride ingress causes corrosion of reinforcing steel. Insufficient durability and in particular premature corrosion of reinforcement are important maintenance issues for civil engineering structures (bridges, tunnels, harbour quays, parking houses) that cause high societal costs and consumption of materials and energy. Hydrotalcites are layered inorganic materials with the capacity to exchange anions with their environment.

The study aims to obtain hydrotalcites that capture chloride and release ions that inhibit corrosion. The objectives are to slow down chloride ingress, to increase the critical chloride content for corrosion initiation and to reduce the corrosion rate. The study involves synthesising and characterising various hydrotalcites and modifying them with inhibitive organic anions. Electrochemical testing in solution and in mortar (corrosion potential, polarisation resistance, rapid chloride migration, concrete resistivity) and determining the effects on concrete technology (workability, hardening, strength, carbonation) will be part of the experimental programme. Applications in demonstration projects are foreseen for precast concrete, in situ concrete and in repair cases. Quantifying the effects for application in service life predictions will reach out to potential users

Requirements

The PhD  researcher candidate should:

-          hold a Master's degree in (technical, applied) chemistry, materials science, civil engineering (materials) or a related field,
-          have affinity with materials science, corrosion of metals and/or durability of concrete and should have hands-on experience with experimental work
-          have good communication skills in English, both oral and written.

 Working environment will be a mix of Delft Technological University, faculty Civil Engineering and Geosciences, section Materials & Environment and TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research), departments Industry & Technology and Structures & Safety.

 TU Delft M&E has a large (international) group of PhD students and a specialised Microlab. Both TNO departments have small but dedicated groups of scientists and laboratories, working in contract research and industrial consultancy in the fields of materials, concrete service life prediction and repair.

 The PhD Researcher will obtain a doctorate degree awarded by Delft University of Technology.

Conditions of employment

When fulfilling a PhD position at M2i, the candidate will be given the status of PhD Researcher. He/she will have employee status and will be eligible for all the employee benefits offered by M2i.

 The contract is for 4 years. Gross salary for the first year is EUR 2,242 gross per month. This amount increases to EUR 2,587 gross per month in the fourth year. The PhD thesis should be completed at the end of the 4th year term with M2i. The researcher and the supervisor will draw up a plan for any additional training and supervision that is specifically needed.

Contract type

Temporary

The contract with M2i will be for the duration of 4 (four) years.

Additional information

Please note that as of 15 January 2010, we will only process applications submitted through our website:

http://www.m2i.nl/researchers-and-students/job-opportunities

 

The short URL code for this job opening is: 3653
Direct link to this job www.academictransfer.com/3653