Diagenesis refers to the physical, chemical and biological processes that ‘turn’ sediments into rock (1,2). As sediments become buried by natural processes, they are subject to overburden pressure and raised temperatures, albeit lower than those that cause metamorphism (2,3). Diagenesis takes place over geological timescales and the rocks formed are used in industrial applications that range from cement and tile production to cladding and dimension stone.

If diagenesis could be managed and rock produced (from sediments/sediment like materials) in anthropogenic timescales, there is potential to design the physical and mineralogical properties of the products.

The proposed research is to investigate the chemical and physical environment(s) pertaining to diagenesis and attempt to replicate these in a managed setting to produce solid monoliths with desirable/designed engineering properties (4,5,6,7).

Potential feedstock materials include industrial process wastes, quarry fines and ‘difficult’ virgin materials. A managed step, as described, will impart value and enable a more sustainable approach to the management of waste and a design-approach to the production of construction products.

The successful student will gain invaluable experience of the natural processes that form rock and how these may be replicated in a managed process in a laboratory-scale setting. Training on advanced chemical and microstructural analytical and physical testing techniques will be a key early part of the programme of work.

Making an application:

Please read this information before making an application. Information on the application process is available at: https://www.gre.ac.uk/research/study/apply/application-process . Applications need to be made online via this link. No other form of application will be considered .

All applications must include the following information. Applications not containing these documents will not be considered.

• Scholarship Reference Number - FES-PhD-2425-01– included in the personal statement section together with your personal statement as to why you are applying

• a CV including details of 2 referees *

• academic qualification certificates/transcripts and IELTs/English Language certificate if you are an international applicant or if English is not your first language or you are from a country where English is not the majority spoken language as defined by the UK Border Agency *

* upload to the qualification section of the application form. Attachments must be a PDF format.

Before submitting your application, you are encouraged to liaise with the Lead Supervisor on the details above.