Oluwatoyin Joseph Gbadeyan | Materials Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Dr. Oluwatoyin Joseph Gbadeyan | Materials Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Fellow | University of KwaZulu-Natal | South Africa

Dr. Oluwatoyin Joseph Gbadeyan’s research field is anchored in the development of sustainable materials, advanced composites, and innovative manufacturing techniques with applications in mechanical engineering, renewable energy, and the circular economy. His extensive project portfolio includes the design and optimization of bio-composites, bioplastics, and nanomaterials for environmental sustainability and industrial applications. Through his work at leading institutions such as the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Durban University of Technology, he has led groundbreaking projects on hybrid nano-shell plant fiber bio-composites and tribological materials for brake pad applications. His research extends to the valorization of waste materials into high-performance composites, the development of snail shell–derived nanoparticles, and the improvement of additive manufacturing processes to enhance mechanical strength and process efficiency. As a principal investigator and collaborator, he has developed proposals in bioeconomy-focused projects including biofuel, biobricks, and bioplastics, contributing to the advancement of waste-to-energy systems and sustainable product design. His extensive publication record of over thirty peer-reviewed articles, two books, and seventeen book chapters reflects his expertise in nanotechnology, material characterization, and polymer science. Dr. Gbadeyan’s experience spans across academic research, industrial innovation, and technical leadership, where he has successfully guided students and research teams in laboratory experimentation, data analysis, and project execution. His research interests focus on green composite materials, sustainable energy systems, waste valorization, and tribological performance optimization of engineering materials. By integrating materials science with sustainable development principles, he continues to explore innovative approaches that promote eco-friendly manufacturing and circular economy models. His professional activities, including his roles as journal reviewer and committee member for national research funding evaluations, underscore his leadership in advancing the frontiers of sustainable materials research and his dedication to fostering innovation within global engineering communities.

Profile: Google Scholar
Publications:

Baloyi, R. B., Gbadeyan, O. J., Sithole, B., & Chunilall, V. (2024). Recent advances in recycling technologies for waste textile fabrics: A review. Textile Research Journal, 94(3–4), 508–529.

Khoaele, K. K., Gbadeyan, O. J., Chunilall, V., & Sithole, B. (2023). The devastation of waste plastic on the environment and remediation processes: A critical review. Sustainability, 15(6), 5233.

Gbadeyan, O. J., Adali, S., Bright, G., Sithole, B., & Awogbemi, O. (2020). Studies on the mechanical and absorption properties of Achatina fulica snail and eggshells reinforced composite materials. Composite Structures, 239, 112043.

Gbadeyan, O. J., Muthivhi, J., Linganiso, L. Z., & Deenadayalu, N. (2024). Decoupling economic growth from carbon emissions: A transition toward low-carbon energy systems—A critical review. Clean Technologies, 6(3), 1076–1113.

Gbadeyan, O. J., Adali, S., Bright, G., Sithole, B., & Onwubu, S. (2020). Optimization of milling procedures for synthesizing nano‐CaCO₃ from Achatina fulica shell through mechanochemical techniques. Journal of Nanomaterials, 2020(1), 4370172.

Sandra Cunha Gonçalves | Materials Science and Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Prof. Dr. Sandra Cunha Gonçalves | Materials Science and Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Research Teacher | Federal Institute of Bahia | Brazil

Prof. Dr. Sandra Cunha Gonçalves has developed a solid academic and scientific career in Civil Engineering, Sustainability, and Environmental Studies, focusing on innovative solutions for the reuse of waste materials in the construction industry. Her research emphasizes solid waste management and the development of eco-friendly materials that incorporate vegetal fibers, modified starch, recycled gypsum, and other industrial by-products to minimize environmental impacts and promote sustainable practices in social housing. Gonçalves has contributed to advancing sustainable construction technologies through the creation of composites and biocomposites with improved physical and mechanical properties, offering alternatives to conventional materials with high energy consumption. Her ongoing projects explore life cycle analysis of materials, the use of green coconut fibers, and polymeric emulsions in gypsum matrices, generating significant results for structural efficiency and environmental performance. Her scientific output includes publications in national and international journals, book chapters, and conference presentations on sustainability, bioconstruction, and waste management. In addition to her research, she promotes extension activities that integrate social technology, environmental education, and vernacular architecture, strengthening the connection between science, culture, and community. At the Federal Institute of Bahia, Gonçalves leads research groups focused on material innovation and environmental education, mentoring new researchers committed to socio-environmental responsibility and construction efficiency. Her professional journey is distinguished by a strong dedication to sustainability, the integration of applied science with technical education, and the continuous pursuit of viable solutions that balance technical performance with the preservation of natural resources.

Profile: ORCID
Featured Publications
Gonçalves, S. C., da Silva Junior, M. F., Souza, M. T., de Amorim Júnior, N. S., & Ribeiro, D. V. (2025). Physicomechanical properties of recycled gypsum composites with polyvinyl acetate emulsion and treated short green coconut fibers. Buildings.