Innovative Research Award
Sevcan Barlas Özgüven
Afyon Kocatepe University, Turkey
Sevcan Barlas Özgüven is a researcher affiliated with Afyon Kocatepe University whose published work addresses cement-based materials, polymer composites, rheology, additive technologies and construction-oriented material performance. Her research record includes collaborative studies involving optical fiber reinforced polymer composites and advanced cementitious materials, providing a multidisciplinary basis for consideration within the field of fiber-reinforced polymer research.
Abstract
Sevcan Barlas Özgüven’s research profile demonstrates engagement with materials engineering and civil engineering applications, particularly the physical and mechanical characterization of polymer composites and the behavior of cement-based materials. Her recent co-authored study on optical fiber reinforced polymer composites examines physical characteristics and mechanical performance across different fiber contents and orientations. The work considers properties including water absorption, density, porosity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, tensile strength, impact behavior, compression and fracture-related performance. [1]
Keywords
Fiber-reinforced polymer; optical fiber composites; polymer composites; FRP in civil engineering; mechanical properties; cement-based materials; rheology; phase change materials; 3D printing; sustainable construction.
Introduction
Fiber-reinforced polymer systems are important engineering materials because reinforcement can modify stiffness, strength, fracture response and other functional characteristics of a polymer matrix. Özgüven’s research is relevant to this field through experimental investigation of optical fiber reinforced polymer composites, while her broader publication record connects composite materials with cementitious and construction technologies. The combination illustrates an interdisciplinary research direction spanning material characterization, structural materials and emerging construction methods.
Research Profile
The available publication record indicates a research profile centered on experimental materials evaluation. Topics represented include polymer composite performance, temperature-dependent cement mortar behavior, rheological properties of cement paste containing bio-oil additives, and extrudability of mortars developed for 3D printing. The Scopus profile supplied for the researcher lists four documents, five citations and an h-index of two.
Research Contributions
A principal contribution is the experimental investigation of optical fiber reinforced polyester composites, where fiber volume fraction and orientation are examined in relation to physical and mechanical behavior. The reported study found limited changes in selected physical properties while identifying improvements in impact strength, fracture toughness and overall mechanical performance with optical fiber incorporation. [1] Related research on nanoscale phase change materials investigated fresh and hardened mortar properties at different temperatures, linking rheological behavior with thermal effects. [2]
Publications
- Investigation of physical and mechanical properties of optical fiber reinforced polymer composites. Sevcan Barlas Özgüven and Tayfun Uygunoğlu. [1]
- Temperature-dependent effect of nanoscale phase change materials on fresh and hardened cement-based mortar. Tayfun Uygunoğlu and Sevcan Barlas Özgüven. [2]
- Effect of Using Black Seed Pulp Bio oil as Admixture in Cement Paste on Rheological Properties. Tayfun Uygunoğlu, Sevcan Barlas Özgüven, Nazan Yılmaz, Oğuzhan Alagöz and Meltem Dilek. [3]
- Extrudibility of Mortars Designed for 3D Printers. Tayfun Uygunoğlu and Sevcan Barlas Özgüven. [4]
Research Impact
The research portfolio connects advanced composite characterization with practical challenges in construction materials. The optical-fiber study is particularly relevant to the development of multifunctional polymer composites, while the cement-based studies address workability, thermal response, sustainable additives and digital construction processes. Together, these publications provide evidence of interdisciplinary engagement with material performance and emerging engineering technologies.
Award Suitability
The research profile is suitable for consideration for an Innovative Research Award because it includes direct investigation of fiber-reinforced polymer composites and measurable material-performance characteristics. The documented optical fiber composite research provides a clear connection to FRP research, while the complementary work demonstrates broader expertise in experimental construction-material systems. Award assessment should consider the originality, methodological rigor, publication quality, reproducibility and relevance of the candidate’s contributions.
Conclusion
Sevcan Barlas Özgüven’s publication record reflects sustained involvement in experimental materials research with relevance to fiber-reinforced polymers and civil engineering. Her work on optical fiber reinforced polymer composites provides the strongest direct alignment with FRP research, supported by additional studies addressing cementitious materials, rheology, thermal behavior and 3D-printing applications. These contributions provide an appropriate scholarly basis for recognition under the Innovative Research Award category.
External Links
References
- Barlas Özgüven, S., & Uygunoğlu, T. (2026). Investigation of physical and mechanical properties of optical fiber reinforced polymer composites. Next Materials, 13, 103203.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.103203
- Uygunoğlu, T., & Barlas Özgüven, S. (2024). Temperature-dependent effect of nanoscale phase change materials on fresh and hardened cement-based mortar. Advances in Cement Research, 37(8), 435–447.
https://doi.org/10.1680/jadcr.24.00068
- Uygunoğlu, T., Barlas Özgüven, S., Yılmaz, N., Alagöz, O., & Dilek, M. (2021). Effect of Using Black Seed Pulp Bio oil as Admixture in Cement Paste on Rheological Properties. El-Cezerî Journal of Science and Engineering, 8(3), 1521–1528.
https://doi.org/10.31202/ecjse.954103
- Uygunoğlu, T., & Barlas Özgüven, S. (2021). Extrudibility of Mortars Designed for 3D Printers. El-Cezerî Journal of Science and Engineering, 8(1), 410–420.
https://doi.org/10.31202/ecjse.852736
- Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Sevcan Barlas Özgüven, Author ID 57221980342. Scopus.
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57221980342
- DergiPark. (n.d.). Sevcan Barlas Özgüven researcher profile and publication record. DergiPark.
https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/%40sevcan-barlas-ozguven