Sandra Cunha | Best Researcher Award Winner 2023

Sandra Cunha: Phase Change Materials

Academician/Research Scholar, Auxiliary Researcher,University of Minho.

congratulations to Sandra Cunha for clinching the Best Researcher Award at the International Research Awards on Fiber-Reinforced Polymer! Your groundbreaking work in Phase Change Materials has truly reshaped the landscape of this field. Your dedication and innovative contributions are inspiring and instrumental in advancing our knowledge of fiber-reinforced polymers. A well-deserved recognition for your exceptional achievements!

Professional Profiles:

• Google Scholar Profile
• LinkedIn Profile
• ResearchGate Profile
• ORCID Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Sandra initiated her academic journey in Civil Engineering, delving into the nuances of cement products and later focusing on developing eco-friendly partition walls during her Master's program. Her academic foundation laid the groundwork for her dedication to sustainability in construction materials.

Professional Endeavors

With a PhD in Civil Engineering and a thesis concentrating on mortars with phase change materials, Sandra embarked on a prolific research career. Her work spans over a decade, involving extensive research in construction materials, sustainable practices, energy efficiency in buildings, circular economy, and waste reuse, specifically concentrating on integrating polymers into concrete and mortars.

Contributions and Research Focus

Her impressive portfolio comprises over 100 publications, including a patented invention, showcasing her expertise. Sandra's research, referenced in prestigious databases like ISI Webscience and Scopus, emphasizes the incorporation of innovative materials for enhanced construction methodologies.

Accolades and Recognition

Her scholarly contributions have been acknowledged through an h-index of 13 in both Scopus and Web of Science. Additionally, her roles as an editor, research member in significant projects, invited speaker at seminars, and her extensive involvement in conferences and journals attest to her influence in the academic realm.

Impact and Influence

Sandra's impact lies in reshaping sustainable construction practices. Her supervision of theses and contributions to projects like Sustainable Polymer-Cement Composites has significantly advanced the field, demonstrating her influence in eco-efficient construction materials.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Her legacy is marked by a commitment to eco-materials and sustainable practices. Sandra's ongoing dedication to research and collaborations ensures a lasting impact on future developments in eco-friendly construction methodologies, likely continuing to push the boundaries of sustainability in civil engineering.

Notable Publications:

• Influence of adding phase change materials on the physical and mechanical properties of cement mortars
• Mortars based in different binders with incorporation of phase-change materials: Physical and mechanical properties
• Effect of temperature on mortars with incorporation of phase change materials
• Physical and mechanical properties of mortars with incorporation of phase change materials
• Thermal performance and cost analysis of mortars made with PCM and different binders
• Characterization of innovative mortars with direct incorporation of phase change materials
• Evaluation of the performance of recycled textile fibres in the mechanical behaviour of a gypsum and cork composite material
• Influence of adding encapsulated phase change materials in aerial lime based mortars
• Influence of the Type of Phase Change Materials Microcapsules on the Properties of Lime‐G ypsum Thermal Mortars
• Behavior of cementitious mortars with direct incorporation of non-encapsulated phase change material after severe temperature exposure
• Use of phase change materials microcapsules in aerial lime and gypsum mortars