Meet the Researchers: Sustainable Industries and Production

Daria Gracheva
“You don't need planning permission to build castles in the sky.” Banksy

Name of your research project: Muography imaging in mining applications
Research unit(s) involved: Oulu Mining School, Space Physics and Astronomy Research Unit
Partners involved: Muon Solutions Oy

I come from a background in geophysics. I hold both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Geophysics from the Faculty of Geology at Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia. I have extensive experience in geophysics, spanning both industry and academia. After graduating, I worked as an engineer in the hydroelectric power industry. Later, I transitioned to academia to conduct in-depth research on the Earth's resistivity structure using magnetotelluric and magnetovariational data.

The main expected outcome of my research project is to enhance the muography imaging method, which uses the natural flux of muons from cosmic rays to non-destructively image large-scale objects like volcanoes, pyramids, mines, and tunnels. By developing advanced reconstruction techniques and data analysis, my project aims to improve the accuracy and applicability of muography for both industrial and academic purposes.

Muography imaging is a non-invasive tool for exploring the Earth's subsurface and civil infrastructure, with broad implications for sustainable development. In mining, it can safely and effectively image large underground structures using the natural harmless and omnipresent flux of cosmic-ray muons. This technology minimizes environmental impact compared to traditional methods like drilling and blasting, optimizes mining operations for greater efficiency and productivity, and enhances safety by reducing the risk of accidents. By reducing the need for invasive techniques, muography supports environmentally responsible practices in resource extraction.

After obtaining my PhD degree, I envision continuing my research career in the field of muography, which is of interest to both academia and the mining industry. I aim to make meaningful contributions to the field beyond my thesis defense, addressing critical questions and advancing knowledge in mineral exploration and related domains.

Hamed Derakhshandeh
“Borderless research for a better world”

Name of your research project: Advanced NMR analysis techniques for mining
Research units involved: NMR Research unit, Oulu mining school
Partner involved: Agnico Eagle Finland

I am from Iran. As a chemical engineer, before coming to Oulu, I held the role of Quality Assurance Supervisor at an Iranian pharmaceutical company named NanoAlvand.

The main outcome of this research project on the study of Tailing Storage Facilities (TSFs) components using advanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods is to gain a better understanding of the hydrogeological parameters and chemical processes within the tailings material under the variable temperature conditions and extreme weather encountered in the Arctic region.

This research provides advancements in techniques and approaches for handling mining waste, which is crucial for preventing environmental damage. The findings can also be applied to the design and operation of tailings facilities to enhance their safety and stability, thereby improving the overall sustainability of mining operations. Additionally, applying nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques to these complex materials advances broader scientific knowledge that can be applied beyond just the management of mining waste.

After obtaining PhD degree, the ideal position for me would be one where I can leverage both my academic training and industry experience to drive impactful R&D. Specifically, I'm very interested in a researcher role at a university-based research center.

Julson Tchio
“Build a pure world for our future generation”

Research project: Advanced surface modification and characterization of low-co2 steel slag cement
Research unit involved: Fibre and Particle Engineering Research Unit
Partners involved: University of Sheffield (UK) and Magsort Ltd. (Finland)

I’m from Cameroon a country in Central Africa. Before arriving in Oulu, Finland, I was a master researcher at the University of Yaoundé 1, Cameroon. Simultaneously, I worked as an intern researcher on a scholarship at the research institute called Mipromalo. The scholarship, funded by the European Union (Royal Society), involved my work on enhancing the properties of cement materials to minimize carbon dioxide emissions

The most important output of my research work is to understand the hydration process of steel slag cement, to increase its reactivity (either thermally, mechanically, or chemically) to achieve excellent properties for construction.

The current project aims to enhance the reactivity of steel slag cement, a waste product from iron production, to develop an alternative binder with improved properties. This research simultaneously reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional clinker cement manufacturing. By valorizing industrial waste from steelmaking, it contributes to a circular economy and mitigates environmental impacts. The development of this new, sustainable, and eco-friendly binder for cementitious materials is a crucial step toward addressing climate change challenges through reduced CO2 emissions. Ultimately, this research provides a viable solution that promotes sustainable construction practices, aligns with circular economy principles, and paves the way for an environmentally responsible cement industry.
After obtaining my PhD, I would like to transfer the acquired knowledge to other individuals who are interested in or have an interest in cementitious materials, whether in the academic field or in a relevant industry.

Milad Eskandarinia
“From waste to resource, building a greener future”

Name of your research project: Advanced surface modification and characterization of low-CO2 steel slag cements
Research unit involved: Fibre and Particle Engineering Research Unit
Partners involved: The University of Sheffield, Magsort Ltd

I am from Tehran, Iran. I have been working on environmentally friendly concrete incorporating recycled materials for around three years. I focused on developing an optimum mix proportion for alkali-activated slag-based concrete (AASC). I have also evaluated and optimized the influences of recycled tire steel fibers on the strength of AASC. In the industry, I’ve gained practical experience working on construction sites, including the Iran Mall project, the largest shopping mall in the Middle East where I worked as a civil engineer.

The most important expectation is that I find an efficient way of mechanical activation to improve the reactivity of steel slag which can be considered a green alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC).

Steel slags are by-products generated in high volumes in the steel industry. The accumulation of steel slag occupies a large amount of land resources and has taken a heavy toll on the ecological environment. The valorization of steel slags through employing them as supplementary cementitious materials is an important strategy that not only can address challenges related to CO2 emission because of the production of OPC but also can be a promising solution for the management of waste materials toward a circular economy. However, the application of steel slag in the construction industry has not been widely accepted because of its several limitations such as low grindability and reactivity. My PhD research aims to overcome these limitations, promoting steel slag’s use in the construction sector.

After obtaining PhD degree, I am keen on continuing my career in academia.

Mina Esmailzade
"Eco-cement: Paving the way to a greener planet"

Name of your research project: Towards zero-carbon concrete via hydrotalcite-based binder
Research unit involved: Fiber and particle engineering research unit
Partner involved: EMPA (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology)

I am from Tehran, Iran. While doing my master’s dissertation, I have been working on green concrete materials comprised of by-products of other industries. I evaluated the effect of the purification of steel fibers extracted from end-of-life tires on the properties of pozzolanic concrete. Then, I replaced Portland cement with steel slag completely, i.e., I optimized a mix design for alkali-activated slag-based recycled fiber-reinforced concrete using Taguchi-Grey relational analysis and investigated its physical and mechanical properties. I have published my findings in 3 peer-reviewed journals.

The objective of this Ph.D. thesis is to develop a zero-carbon concrete via hydrotalcite (Ht)-based binder for non-structural applications. To accomplish this goal, I will investigate the optimal dosage and suitable types of precursors, which are less energy-intensive, to come up with a more sustainable binder and overcome the feedstock issue.

When MgO-based binder hydrates, Ht may form as a secondary phase along with magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) gel as the major phase, on condition that certain materials containing Mg, Al, and specific anions are present in the reaction. However, the production of MgO is not energy-efficient at all, and its production releases more CO2 than ordinary Portland cement. Therefore, my mission would be the production of Ht and, eventually, a Ht-based binder from other viable Mg and Al sources to reach a green alternative for Portland cement and, as a result, reduction of carbon footprint.

I am very passionate about research and concerned about sustainable development. Therefore, I will pursue my interests in academia after getting PhD degree.

Mohan Rangaswamy
“Have patience, everything will go well.”

Name of your research project: NMR analysis of green solvent systems exploited in sustainable processing of lignocellulose side streams
Research units involved: NMR Research Unit & Fibre and Particle Engineering Unit
Partner involved: Brightplus Oy

I am from Bengaluru, India. Before coming to Oulu, I was working as a Project Associate-II at NMR Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India.

Project mainly focuses on understanding the interactions and dynamic phenomena of green solvents and chemicals in lignocellulose modification, and the induced changes in chemical and physical structure of lignocelluloses using advanced NMR techniques.

Lignocellulosic side streams of wood and cellulose processing are the key renewable resources for the emerging circular economy to create sustainable industrial materials for various purposes such as packaging, textiles, composites and electronics. For this purpose, green modifications such as deep eutectic solvents can be used for swelling, activation, dissolution, functionalization and disintegration of lignocelluloses to obtain regenerated, derivatized, bulk solid and nano materials.

I have kept my options wide open after getting PhD degree, but my intention is to get into industries or if I find any exciting project I would like to do a Post Doctoral too.

Nikhil Rathod
“A master fails 1000 times more than others even try.”

Name of your research project: Stabilization/Solidification of sulfidic mine tailings towards sustainable cement
Research unit(s) involved: Fiber and Particle Engineering Unit, NANOMO Unit
Partners involved: Agnico Eagle (Finland), Paul Scherrer Institute (Switzerland)

I come from Nagpur, Maharashtra, India, which is the geographical center of India and famous for its oranges. I have two years of work experience as an Assistant Professor at G H Raisoni Institute of Engineering and Technology. I worked in the Department of Civil Engineering and was also departmental R&D coordinator.

I expect to stabilize sulfidic mine tailings using sustainable cements and understand the interactions of heavy metalloids in sulfidic tailings with cement phases, ettringite specifically. Currently, the hazardous sulfidic tailings are just dumped in heaps open to atmosphere in tailing dams. These dams can fail leading to catastrophic damages. There are many tailing dam failures all over the world leading to environmental pollution of water, air and land; killing hundreds of people and animals. Therefore, my project aims to stabilize and utilize the sulfidic tailings for producing cementitious binder.

After obtaining my Ph.D. degree, I would like to move to industry and work on research which is applied to real life.

Rachana Yadav
“Driving green innovation for sustainable tomorrow”

Name of your research project: Study of extraction kinetics of naturally bioactive compounds using synchrotron-based characterization techniques
Research unit involved: Nano and Molecular Systems Research Unit
Partners involved: Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Helsinki and MAX IV Laboratory, Sweden

I come from the vibrant city of Kolhapur known for its historical significance, rich culture heritage and unique food culture, located in the state of Maharashtra, India. Prior to my arrival in Oulu, I completed an integrated B.Sc-M.Sc program at the School of Nanoscience and Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur. Following my master’s degree, I served as Departmental Research Fellow (DRF), which allowed me to delve deeper into the scientific and academic community. Additionally, I contributed to COVID-19 industrial pilot project.

My doctoral research project is to establish a green chemistry- based method for extracting bioactive compounds from forest by-products. The anticipated results include a deeper understanding of where extractives are in the cell, how they are bound to biomass tissue structures and extraction kinetics by application of modern spectroscopic and coherent imaging techniques.

This research is pivotal for sustainable development; it supports environmentally friendly practices, reduces chemical hazards through the utilization of the forest by-product and fosters the creation of bio-based products. This contributes to economic growth and societal well-being, offering green solutions to pressing health and environmental challenges globally.

After obtaining a PhD degree I aim to pursue a postdoctoral path, delving deeper into biomaterial research to foster societal advancement. My postdoctoral endeavors will be an extension of my commitment to advancing sustainable solutions.

Rizwana Ajamavad
"Research is creating new knowledge." Neil Armstrong

Name of your research project: Visible Light-Assisted Nitrogen Fixation to Ammonia by Molybdenum
Research unit(s) involved: Environmental and Chemical Engineering Research Unit, University of Oulu
Partners involved: Institute for Chemical Synthesis and Homogenous Catalysis (ISQCH), University of Zaragoza-CSIC, Spain

I am from Lakshadweep, India. I have completed five-year BS MS Dual Degree from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram, India. I have done a major project in chemistry and a minor project in physics field during my studies in IISER. My Master’s Thesis is titled Photocatalyzed Alkylative Cyclization Of 2-Isocyanobiphenyles with Unactivated Alkyl Iodides.

The main expected outcome from my research project is to develop efficient visible light driven catalysts based on molybdenum and iridium complexes containing redox active mesoionic ligands for the conversion of nitrogen into ammonia under mild conditions. My research is significant for sustainable development by contributing to the achievement of resource efficiency, clean and environmental technologies and developing photocatalysts that can energy- and atom-efficiently convert a natural, abundant, non-toxic environmental resource (nitrogen), to an essential chemical building block (ammonia) for important industrial processes. It will also help to minimize the use of harsh reaction conditions that impact the environment directly with regards to reducing energy consumption; and decreasing CO2 and other waste production for efficient use of natural resources.

After obtaining my Ph.D. degree, I would like to learn more about instrumental techniques used in chemistry research field and want to explore other chemistry research fields other than photochemistry. For now, I am thinking of doing a post-doctoral study after Ph.D. Then I want to work in the chemical industry as a research scientist.

Shreenandan Sahoo
"Innovating for a sustainable future in construction"

Name of your research project: Utilization of Magnesium Carbonates in Concrete to lower carbon footprint
Research unit(s) involved: Fibre and Particle Engineering Unit, University of Oulu,Finland
Partners involved: Cement Chemistry and Thermodynamics group at EMPA, Switzerland

I come from Odisha, a beautiful state located in the southeastern part of India. Before coming to Oulu, I was working as a research project associate on a follow-up project at NIT Rourkela, Odisha,India focusing on "Development of Highly Durable Concrete Using Limestone Pumice Calcined Clay Cement (LPC3)."

The main expected outcome of my research project is to develop a sustainable concrete by optimizing the incorporation of magnesium carbonates as supplementary cementitious materials, thereby significantly reducing the carbon footprint of traditional cement. My research holds significant potential for society by addressing the urgent need to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry. By developing sustainable concrete solutions, we can lower greenhouse gas emissions from cement production, which is a major contributor to climate change. This research aligns with sustainable development goals by promoting the use of eco-friendly materials and advancing carbon capture and storage technologies, thereby contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

After obtaining my PhD degree, I aspire to become a research scientist in the cement and concrete industry.