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

Posted 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.

Antoni Mir Pons | Material Science and Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Posted on by Civil Engineering Awards

Mr. Antoni Mir Pons | Material Science and Engineering | Young Scientist Award

PhD | University of the Balearic Islands | Spain

Mr. Antoni Mir Pons develops research in the field of civil and structural engineering, with a particular focus on the study and application of iron-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMA) for strengthening existing reinforced concrete structures. His scientific contributions reflect an advanced understanding of materials behavior under semi-cyclic loads and their influence on recovery stresses, which is essential for improving the resilience and sustainability of infrastructures. Currently engaged at the University of the Balearic Islands within the UIB Construct research group, Antoni’s work explores the mechanical performance and practical integration of Fe-SMA as an innovative reinforcement technology. He has presented significant findings at leading international conferences such as the fib PhD Symposium in Civil Engineering and the SMAR Conference in Italy, contributing to global knowledge on structural rehabilitation using smart materials. His previous collaborations with the AMADE group at the University of Girona involved theoretical and experimental studies on reinforced concrete structures strengthened with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates, evaluating cracking behavior and proposing refinements to Eurocode and fib Model Code formulations. Antoni’s research also integrates climate resilience aspects, as seen in his participation in projects such as RESTART, focused on mitigating deterioration risks in existing concrete infrastructures under changing environmental conditions. Awarded for his outstanding Master’s Thesis on Fe-SMA reinforcement technology, Antoni continues to bridge experimental engineering with sustainable innovation, contributing to the evolution of active reinforcement systems that reduce environmental impact and extend the lifespan of civil structures. His ongoing doctoral research deepens this line of inquiry, enhancing the understanding of semi-cyclic load effects and establishing a strong foundation for future advancements in structural engineering.

Profile: Scopus
Fearuted Publications:

Experimental study on recovery stress losses in Fe-SMA rebars under semi-cyclic loads considering different activation temperatures and multiple activations. (2025). Construction and Building Materials.