Kai Rui Wang

I received my Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering (Hons) & Finance from Monash University in 2016. As a PhD candidate at RMIT University, I am currently undertaking research into the microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) of steel pipelines buried underground, with a focus on simulating soil for corrosion on the external surface of pipelines.

My current work is on the characterisation of semi-solid agar and using it as a novel replacement for soil in the study of pipeline corrosion in laboratory. Later, I will work with bacteria to observe MIC of carbon steel in semi-solid agar conditions. My research interests are in biotechnology and materials. I hope to progress the development of soil-based corrosion studies, particularly MIC related studies, by developing this novel analogue of soil, thus contributing to the safer delivery of water to millions of people. Outside university, I enjoy running the occasional half-marathon.

Image of Kai Wang

Skills

  • Electrochemical analysis (EIS – electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, PDS - potentiodynamic scans)
  • Microscopic analysis (SEM - scanning electron microscopy, EDX – energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, XRD – X-ray diffraction)

PhD project

Prior work

Wang K & Chong W (2016). ‘The Development of a Prototype Mixed-Gas Breakthrough System for Ethane/Ethylene Separation using Metal Organic Frameworks’, BEng thesis, Chem. Eng., Monash Univ., Melbourne, Australia.

Publications

  • K. Wang, A. Spark, I. Cole, and L. Ward (2019). ‘Effects of electrochemical techniques on carbon steel in agar’, Corrosion & Prevention; 23-27 November 2019, Melbourne, Australia. Paper ID 45. p 1-11.
  • A. Spark, K. Wang, I. Cole, D. Law, and L. Ward (2020). ‘Microbiologically influenced corrosion: a review of the studies conducted on buried pipelines’, Corrosion Reviews, 38(3), 231-262. DOI: 10.1515/corrrev-2019-0108.

Further information

  • Senior Supervisor: Dr Xiao-Bo Chen (RMIT University)
  • Associate Supervisor: Prof. Ivan Cole (RMIT University)
  • Associate Supervisor: Dr Amy Spark (AECOM)

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.