Scholarship / Vistec International Students Scholarship to Study MSc Materials Science and Engineering in Thailand [3]

Masters study scholarship

I am Nnabodo Darlington, a Bachelor in Engineering holder (Chemical Engineering). I aspire for a Masters study in Materials science and Engineering.

I could think of no other area of specialization other than in the field of science. This pursuit had started since my secondary school education. I exhibited satisfactory academic performance in chemistry, physics and mathematical science subjects and this greatly enhanced my academic performance. An intensified interest to specialize in Materials Science and Engineering was instigated after I took up a research work in synthesis and characterization of zeolyte Y catalyst for fluid catalytic cracking from a locally abundant natural clay material available in Nnewi South local government area in a town called Ukpor in Anambara State, Nigeria.

I obtained a B.Eng in Chemical Engineering in 2017, graduating with First Class honours and as the Second Best Graduating Student in my department. A well structural and detailed comprehensive course curriculum at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Nigeria has laid a foundation in the various branches of Chemical Engineering and looking at the curriculum structure of Materials Science and Engineering, I find it suiting to aid in the actualization of my research goals. Also, foundation has been laid in the operation and use of several analytical instruments. During my undergraduate days, I volunteered in tutoring students in several topics in Chemical Engineering which they found challenging. My first degree provided me with much needed information for a scientific approach in the science and engineering field.

I had an opportunity to do my undergraduate research on "Synthesis and Characterization of Zeolyte Y from Ukpor clay" to be used as a catalyst material in catalytic cracking of petroleum into gasoline range hydrocarbons, under the supervision of late Prof. M. O Edoga. The study involved the processing of raw ukpor clay from Nnewi South L.G.A, Anambra State, Nigeria to kaolin as a precursor for the development of zeolite Y. The clay subjected first to pretreatment by separating the foreign bodies from it using deflocculant (Sodium hexametaphosphate and Sodium hydrogencarbonate). Subsequently, the pretreated clay calcined at 8500C for 6 hours at atmospheric pressure. The calcined clay was formulated by adding sodium hydroxide and sodium metasilicate to produce a gel aged at room temperature for 12 hours. The gel was subsequently heated in a laboratory oven at1000C for 9hrs to produce the zeolite Y (NaY Zeolite) in a process called crystallization and Zeolite Y (NaY) of molar ratio of 4.07 was achieved. The formulated samples were characterized using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).

I would like to further my education by obtaining a MSc degree in Material Science and Engineering in Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology. I believe my study will equip me with the needed materials paradigm to aid me advance understanding in a variety of research areas, including nanotechnology, biomaterials, and metallurgy. I also desire to develope a broader knowledge of materials characterization and interpretation of characterized data. And if possible undertake a research work built upon that which I started in my undergraduate level, so as to obtain an optimal route for zeolyte Y synthesis from same Ukpor clay material and upon the advanced learning setting which i will come to be part of, obtain a better knowledge to use same material in synthesis of nanocrystalline zeolyte Y as this is of immense importance in the oil and gas sector for processes such as catalytic cracking, since the raw clay material is in abundance in my home country. This will help minimize importation of Zeolyte Y synthesized from commercial chemicals such as tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), aluminium iso-propoxide (AlP) and tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH) which are more expensive. I have chosen to apply for this program to be supported by Vistec International Students Scholarship to Study in Thailand for the 2020/2021 scholarship scheme as it would help provide me an excellent opportunity to pursue research in this area of Materials Science and Engineering which I would in turn make an impact on the industrial sector, research and development institutes and academic institutions in my home country, Nigeria.

I am optimistic that this program will make me uniquely suited to approach pressing scientific problems humans currently face due to the limits of the materials that are available and how they are used from a highly academic and interdisciplinary perspective. I am in no doubt that the skills I will acquire upon completion of my studies will allow me to make the most of future opportunities and will be of immense value to me.

Thank you for the opportunity to express my views. I hope that I satisfy the criteria for selection.
I am expecting a favourable consideration.