PhD Candidate
Research Title:
Development of novel low-carbon cementitious binder systems for off-Earth applications
Main Supervisor:
Allan Scott
Co-supervisor:
Giuseppe Loporcaro
Research interests:
Banujan is interested in researching sustainable concrete production, and his primary focus is on developing low-carbon binder systems, particularly magnesium-based binders. Banujan is also interested in exploring various analytical techniques for concrete research. For his doctoral research, he is presently engaged in the investigation of developing low-carbon binder systems utilising in-situ materials, with potential applications in both extraterrestrial and terrestrial environments.
Personal interests:
Banujan loves cricket and is currently playing for Burnside West Christchurch University Cricket Club (BWCUCC) – Division 2. He played competitive cricket while he was in Sri Lanka and Canada as well. Banujan also enjoys playing chess, reading books, hiking, and going on road trips. He is fascinated by the natural beauty of Aotearoa.
Academic history:
Doctoral Candidate, University of Canterbury, New Zealand: 2022 - To date
Master of Science in Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Canada: 2018-2020
Bachelor of Science of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka: 2011-2016
Publications:
2023 (Co-author): Prediction of characteristics of cement stabilized earth blocks using non-destructive testing: Ultrasonic pulse velocity and electrical resistivity, Materialia, 29, 101794.
2022 (Co-author): Sustainable production of cement masonry blocks with the combined use of fly ash and quarry waste, Materialia, 26, 101621.
2020 (Master’s thesis): The use of CO2-treated wash water as mixing water in concrete, University of New Brunswick.
