PhD material science of stone conservation

This project aims to establish and validate a novel experimental approach to the study of stone deterioration by leveraging powder-bed 3D printing of stone-like materials. This enables the creation of spatially graded samples mimicking natural stones and their alteration through weathering. Most importantly, this can be done in a repetitive way and with systematic variations of the defect, flaws and inhomogeneities known to play an essential role in stone deterioration.

The specific stone deterioration mechanism that will be investigated is contour scaling, a process of particular concern to molasse sandstones largely used in the Swiss plateau. It leads to loss of cohesion below the exposed surface, at a depth in the range of some millimetres to several centimetres. It leads to highly inhomogeneous properties that our 3D printing approach would be able to mimic for the first time.

The 3D printing will begin using an innovative and large-scale 3D powder bed printer developed by the Chair for Digital Building Technologies, and will be advanced for the purpose of this project by the other PhD student.

• The present PhD student will use such 3D printed stones in the unique testing facilities of the Chair for Physical Chemistry of Building Materials
• This will enable the reproduction under laboratory conditions of harsh events that condition the weathering of building stones on monuments
• That study will be complemented by method development to enable rapid detection of contour scales on site, in addition to exploring possible means of halting the propagation and/or formation of such contour scales

• The successful candidate should have a keen interest, or preferably experience in heritage conservation science
• They should additionally hold a Masters degree in conservation science, material science, chemistry, chemical engineering, civil engineering, or conservation architecture
• In any case good experimental skills are a must
• An excellent oral and written level of English is essential
• Conversational knowledge of German is an advantage, but desire to learn it is a must
• As the project involves collaboration between groups in addition to field practitioners, very good communication skills and willingness to collaborate with other researchers is essential

The Chair of Physical Chemistry of Building Materials within the Institute for Building Materials offers many chances for jump‑starting an academic or industrial research career in cement and concrete technology, with a strong basis in materials chemistry and rheology. Our highly diverse and international group also offers many networking opportunities through academic societies such as RILEM, industry connections, as well as internal ETH connections.

We are committed to diversity by allowing flexibility in working hours, home office, and other measures to ensure team members can adequately perform their roles.

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