Objective
Mixed-layer clay minerals occur abundantly in soils and sediments, controlling their properties from mechanical stability to nutrient content. Recent discoveries in the field of mixed-layer clays, made by members of the host research group and the research group where I work, have opened new ways to study these minerals and revealed novel aspects. My project combines these two approaches in a detailed study of the mixed-layer mineral kaolinite-smectite. The main objectives of the project are 1) to fully characterize structurally and compositionally kaolinite-smectite, and 2) to use this information to assess the mechanism of smectite kaolinization. Natural kaolinite-smectite will be analysed using modern, complementary techniques, enhanced by tools of data analysis such as computer modelling.
They include x-ray diffraction (composition, structure and particle size analysis), scanning electron microscopy (morphology of micro-crystals), high-resolution electron microscopy and microanalysis (chemical composition and structure of micro-crystals), thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy (structure at atomic level). The evolution (composition, structure) along the kaolinite-smectite series will reveal the transformation mechanism. The results will contribute to a central problem in clay mineralogy, the nature of mixed-layering. Kaolinite-smectite is an ideal system for this study because it is composed of two members with great compositional and structural differences and will provide unambiguous results. Smectite kaolinization is a typical process of soil degradation and the understanding of its mechanism will help to assess soil degradation and soil sustainability, and to alter undesired trends. The project topic and techniques complement and deepen my previous experience, strengthening the chemical aspects of clay study in which I am planning to focus in the future. The project involves collaboration with a Spanish and an Italian group, providing further networking.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences data science
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy electron microscopy
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy absorption spectroscopy
- natural sciences chemical sciences analytical chemistry calorimetry
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences geology mineralogy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP6-2002-MOBILITY-5
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
LONDON
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.