Research into biobased surface sealants for water-resistant earthen bricks

MNEXT; Breda; Remote; EUR 3,600 - 4,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Internship allowance €350/month

Job summary

MNEXT invites students to join a fourth-year graduation internship focusing on bio-based surface sealants to improve water resistance of unstabilized earthen bricks. You will explore sealants like chitosan, oils, casein, alginates and assess their impact on vapor permeability and durability.

The project aligns with circular building materials and sustainable cycles, offering hands-on lab work and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Internship stipend is €350 per month.

Qualifications

• Internship suitable for students of Biology and Medical Laboratory Research, Chemistry and Chemical Technology.
• Focus on bio-based surface sealants and water resistance testing of unstabilized loam bricks.
• Internship includes monthly allowance of €350.

Responsibilities

• Investigate bio-based surface sealants to limit water penetration while maintaining vapor permeability.
• Measure water absorption, penetration depth, surface wetting resistance and durability of sealing layers.
• Compare sealing systems and assess their impact on indoor climate and sustainability.

Job description

During this fourth-year graduation internship, you will investigate how bio-based surface sealants can improve the water resistance of unstabilized earthen bricks. You will compare various natural sealants and examine whether they limit water penetration without compromising the material's vapor permeability.This project aligns with the development of circular and healthy building materials. Earth can be reused, reclaimed, and reintegrated into material cycles with a low environmental impact. Furthermore, earth contributes to a comfortable indoor climate by regulating moisture, storing heat, and facilitating vapor transport.

The Dutch construction sector is responsible for approximately half of the total material use. At the same time, there are national goals to achieve 50 percent circularity by 2030 and to work completely circularly by 2050. As the need for buildings continues, other building materials and processing methods are required. Loam materials suit this development, but unstabilized loam – loam without cement – is sensitive to large amounts of water.

You investigate the operation of different surface seals on unstabilized clay blocks. Possible materials include chitosan, oils, casein, alginates and other bio-based systems. With targeted experiments you can map how these treatments respond to the surface of the clay blocks and to what extent they limit water penetration under wet conditions.

You measure, among other things, the water absorption, penetration depth, resistance to surface wetting and durability of the sealing layer. At the same time, you investigate to what extent the treatments maintain the transport of water vapor through the material. This is important: a good seal must retain liquid water without limiting the moisture-regulating and vapor-permeable properties of loam.

Based on your results, you compare the different sealing systems. You identify which treatments are most likely to improve the durability of unstabilized clay blocks, while retaining the benefits for the environment and the indoor climate.

This assignment suits you if you are interested in materials research, laboratory work and bio-based building materials. The internship is suitable for students of the Biology and Medical Laboratory Research, Chemistry and Chemical Technology courses.

You will receive an internship allowance of €350 per month.

About MNEXT

MNEXT is the Center of Expertise for the materials and energy transition. Together with companies, governments, researchers and students, MNEXT bridges the gap between innovation and society and works on practice-oriented research for a sustainable future. As an intern or graduate, you fully participate in a multidisciplinary research team and work on real issues from the field.

MNEXT’s projects fall within three main themes: transition and value creation, sustainable energy technologies and biobased and circular materials. Dozens of students do internships at MNEXT every semester. This means you work intensively with other students, build a large network and also make social contacts.

You automatically participate in the internship program with more than 10 workshops. These strengthen your research skills and career competencies. Topics include the use of AI in desk research, research integrity, professional use of LinkedIn and coaching to advance a start-up idea. You will receive an internship allowance of €350 per month.