transition increases porosity and triggers significant loss in mechanical strength. This Mechanisms of Phase Transformation and Stabilization in Calcium Aluminate Cement Systems via Multi-Scale Additive Integration research at VILNIUS TECH aims to investigate the synergistic effects of nano- and micro-additives on the hydration kinetics of CAC.
By targeting the stabilization of metastable phases or the redirection of hydration pathways, this study seeks to mitigate the conversion effect, ensuring long-term durability for critical applications such as cryogenic facilities, high-temperature foundries, and wastewater infrastructure. The proposed research seeks to investigate the mechanisms by which specific polymers and chemical additives function as "crystal growth inhibitors" within the cementitious matrix. The primary objective is to determine if the hydration process can be strategically manipulated to "trick" the cement into bypassing the formation of metastable phases entirely. By leveraging these additives to facilitate the immediate development of a stable, dense microstructure, the research aims to eliminate the traditional conversion cycle, thereby ensuring long-term structural integrity and superior mechanical performance.
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Programme Structure
Curriculum includes:
- Independent research under supervision;
- Courses for PhD students (approximately 30 ECTS credits);
- Participation in research networks, including placements at other, primarily foreign, research institutions;
- Teaching or another form of knowledge dissemination, which is related to the PhD topic when possible;
- The completion of a PhD thesis.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
TOEFL iBT: 70 OR IELTS: 6
Other requirements
General requirements
- At least 2 reference(s) must be provided.
- References should be by the academics from Civil or Materials engineering field
- A relevant portfolio is required.
- Please upload your research proposal including the abstract, literature review, research objectives, research questions, methodology and bibliography.
- Certified copies of the Master’s degree diploma and its supplement with grades or higher education equivalent to it;
- Curriculum Vitae (CV);
- List of scientific publications and their copies or research proposal (if scientific publications are not included);
- Copy of a personal data page of a passport or a copy of a personal ID;
- Other documents that an applicant wants to submit.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
International tuition fees: 20,661 AUD/year (≈ 12,680 EUR/year). Part-time studies (6-year): 8,453.00 per year.
Living costs
Vilnius, Lithuania: 798-1,395 AUD/month.
Funding
The PhD studies can be financed by the companies or enterprises financial resources or a PhD student’s personal finances.
