The Department of Materials and the Environment studies the reciprocal, long-term effects of the environment on materials and vice versa. Leaching/emission of contaminants from materials into soil and air along with environmentally-induced damage to materials are simulated and quantified using accelerated testing methods. Where necessary, reference organisms are included in the simulations. We develop methods for recovery of mineral and metallic resources and for the non-destructive testing of historical artefacts and cultural assets.

Divisions

Division 4.1 Bio­dete­rio­ra­ti­on and Reference Or­ga­nisms Division 4.2 Materials and Air Pol­lu­tants Division 4.3 Contaminant Transport and Environmental Technologies Division 4.4 Thermochemical Residues Treatment and Resource Recovery Division 4.5 Analysis of Artefacts and Cultural Assets