Director of study: Prof. Pal Mangat
Supervisor(s): Dr. Abhishek Asthana & Dr. Vincenzo Starinieri
Additional information: Self-funded students only

Summary 

The use of microwave technology in domestic and some industrial applications is well established. However, it is not used in the construction sector due to a lack of research. The impact of the current international energy conservation and environmental initiatives has created an urgency in developing microwave technology for this sector.
The concrete and road repair industry is economically important. It is ripe for innovation in current practices of using antiquated, unsafe and environmentally unfriendly methods such as open flame heating in repair applications which are inefficient, slow and wasteful. Microwave technology promises an energy-efficient solution for innovation.
Microwave curing provides accelerated curing to cementitious and bituminous materials by instant heat produced internally by microwave energy. This affects the early age chemical reactions within the matrix which lead to the formation of its microstructure and development of its properties. The repair materials used for concrete and road repair contain many constituents with different responses to microwave energy.
The parameters of microwave energy and repair material characteristics will be evaluated and related in the research. These relationships will be used to design and optimise microwave systems.

For further information, please contact Dr. Abhishek Asthana