Physics of cement materials
Research in the field of physics of cement materials has the aim of developing a fundamental understanding of water transport thereby producing improved cement binders and concrete materials with improved longevity, thereby reducing global CO2 emissions.
Overview
Concrete is the most widely used construction material on Earth and, whilst an inherently low CO2 emission material per tonne, huge annual production volumes means that concrete production is responsible for 5-8% of global CO2 emissions.
Most emissions come from the production of the cement binder. Critical to improving cement materials is the understanding of water transport in cement. We are exploiting both molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo computer simulation techniques to model the transport of water on the nanoscale in cement-like materials. The computer modelling is designed to generate NMR relaxation rate data for comparison with experiments performed in Surrey laboratories.
Research projects
Water transport in cements: A bottom-up approach
Principal investigators: Dr David Faux, Professor Peter McDonald
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Research areas
Take a look at the other research we are doing within the group.