Overview
Context of Use of Fungi as a Means of Producing Concrete-Like Construction Materials project at University of Dundee
Very recently, the possibility of utilising a different group of organisms – fungi – in self-healing concrete has been identified.
Calcite-precipitating fungi have several advantages over bacteria for this role. Firstly, their filamentous, explorative growth forms have a high surface-to-volume ratio, providing an effective matrix for rapid precipitation. Secondly, they are able to produce calcite through two mechanisms: biomineralization (similarly to bacteria, but at higher efficiency), but also through organo-mineralization (by chitin at cell walls reducing the activation energy of calcite nuclei formation), again permitting faster calcite production.
Thirdly, fungi - being organisms commonly encountered in otherwise abiotic environments, such as within rocks - are suited to reside inside concrete.
Get more details
Visit programme websiteProgramme Structure
- The approach adopted will be to initially examine feasibility on small volumes of material to maximise the variables explored. These will include fungal strains (some efficient calcite-forming species are already possessed), ambient conditions, and nutrient/raw material composition and supply.
- Evaluation of performance of the fungi will be conducted using both mineralogical analyses, characterisation of porosity and strength measurements.
- The study will also use life-cycle analysis to ensure that any bio-fabrication routes identified are genuinely more sustainable compared with conventional methods.
Check out the full curriculum
Visit programme websiteKey information
Duration
- Full-time
- 36 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- StartingApplication deadline not specified.
- Starting
- Apply before
-
Language
Delivered
Disciplines
Civil Engineering & Construction Materials Science View 54 other PhDs in Materials Science in United KingdomExplore more key information
Visit programme websiteAcademic requirements
English requirements
Student insurance
Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:
- Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
- Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.
Get your student insurance nowStarting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.
Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Dundee and/or in United Kingdom, please visit Student Insurance Portal.
Other requirements
General requirements
- You should have an honours degree at 2.1 or above, and/or a Masters degree in a relevant discipline.
Make sure you meet all requirements
Visit programme websiteTuition Fee
-
International
25305 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 25305 GBP per year during 36 months. -
National
4825 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 4825 GBP per year during 36 months.
Living costs for Dundee
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Check for any work restrictions
Visit programme websiteIn order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.
Scholarships Information
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Use of Fungi as a Means of Producing Concrete-Like Construction Materials.
Available Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility
Read more about eligibility