Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/M51628/01
Title:	GEOMIMETICS: OLD ROCKS TO NEW MATERIALS
Principal Investigator:	Dann, Dr S
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Chemistry
Organisation:	Loughborough University
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 October 1999	Ends:	30 September 2002	Value (£):	56,029
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Chemicals Electronics Environment No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
For many years the organic chemist and biochemist have strived to copy and develop compounds which occur naturally, as they offer selectivity with low environment impact. This project will focus on the same principles in materials research by copying minerals and, through their compositional and structural modification, enhance their properties. The chemical availability of the laboratory allowing new avenues to be explored where the natural systems are restricted to the abundant elements.A key part of the synthetic programme will be the utilisation of purpose-built hydrothermal apparatus accessing conditions up to 4Kbar/900 C. Such conditions promote unusual structures, geometries and solubilities whilst retaining a chemically cheap and non-toxic environment. Systems which will be targeted include Al-rich frameworks and structures containing B04 units. In addition, ambient temperature hydrothermal and conventional solid state methods will be used to copy and enhance minerals with useful natural properties.The high pressure work will largely be of academic interest but some geomaterials, produced via low pressure routes, are used for industrial applications. Products will initially be characterised in terms of their structure and morphology. Later stages of the programme will centre on the salient properties appropriate for the class of material under investigation.
Key Findings
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Organisation Website:	http://www.lboro.ac.uk