The work was performed during the duration of the fellowship through the following five work packages (WPs) in the FHBMicro project.
WP1: Overall training-through-research. The transfer of knowledge was well achieved through extensive training activities during the fellowship. The scientific knowledge training was carried out to enhance the Fellow’s expertise in microscopic technologies, multiscale modelling and experimental characterisation. Through the complementary skill training, the Fellow’s qualification was promoted in terms of project management, open science, teaching & supervision, networking and communication. The Fellow gave three presentations to the students and academic staff at the host and partner institutions and supervised two PhD students. Main output: a well-trained researcher with competitive scientific knowledge and professional skills.
WP2: Microscopic mechanisms of BMs’ fatigue damage and healing. The fundamental chemical and physical properties of the materials including the chemical composition, microstructural morphology and surface energy of the BMs were tested and analysed using Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical tensiometer. Furthermore, the fatigue damage and healing tests of the BMs were conducted with a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and the inter-relationship between the fundamental material properties and the damage and healing was investigated to interpret the microscopic mechanisms. Main outputs: Two papers were published in academic journals (i.e. Cellulose and TRR). One presentation was delivered at IACIP Conference. One poster was presented at TRB Conference.
WP3: Multiscale modelling and performance prediction for fatigue damage and healing of BMs. At the microscale, the fundamental material properties (i.e. chemical composition, diffusion, surface energy and intrinsic strength) were predicted and the molecular behaviours of fatigue damage and healing (i.e. molecular rearrangement and inter-diffusion) were characterised using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The results obtained from the MD simulations were integrated into the macroscopic crack-based models developed by fracture and damage mechanics. Finally, a multiscale performance prediction framework was developed to predict the fatigue and healing performance of the BMs. Main outputs: Five papers were published in academic journals (i.e. CBM, Mater. Des., JTTE, Fuel and Cellulose). One paper was under review. One presentation was delivered at TRC Conference. One presentation will be delivered at CEW Conference.
WP4: Development and evaluation of anti-fatigue and self-healing BMs. The anti-fatigue and self-healing BMs were developed by using the anti-ageing compounds, cow dung fibre and rejuvenators in the bitumen. The fatigue and healing tests were performed under varying ageing and temperature conditions to evaluate their fatigue damage and healing performance. An evaluation protocol was established to examine the effectiveness of the anti-fatigue and self-healing BMs. Main outputs: Two papers were published in academic journals (i.e. Cellulose and Mater. Des.).
WP5: Industry applications and feedback. The anti-fatigue and self-healing BMs and a performance evaluation approach were introduced and trialled in industry practices. The Fellow visited the industry partner institutions and further collaborations were built between them. Main outputs: Two seminars and one workshop were organised at the different institutions.
