PPGCEM/DEMa - UFSCar Researchers Stand Out at the 69th Brazilian Congress on Ceramics

     The PPGCEM/DEMa - UFSCar had its scientific excellence once again recognized during the 69th Brazilian Congress on Ceramics (CBC), held from June 15 to 18, 2025, in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. As the most important technical-scientific event in the ceramics field in Latin America, the CBC brings together researchers, industry professionals, and students to discuss advancements and challenges in ceramic materials.

     Thiago Wisley Barbosa de Farias, a PhD student in the Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering (PPGCEM), received the Best Presentation Award for his work titled “Rheological characterization and shape retention analysis of alumina-based filaments printed via direct ink writing.” The study, which explores 3D printing applications for advanced ceramics, was co-authored by Gabriel H. Navarro (undergraduate student in Materials Engineering at UFSCar), Ítalo L. de Camargo (IFSP), and Prof. Ana Paula da Luz (DEMa-UFSCar), the project supervisor.

     In addition, the presentation titled “Thermal stability and sintering of metakaolin-based geopolymer-bonded refractory castables,” given by Prof. Ana Paula da Luz, received the Third Place Award among the best presentations at the event. The research was conducted in collaboration with Bianca F. G. Maximo, an undergraduate student in Physics Engineering at UFSCar, and Prof. Marcio R. Morelli (DEMa-UFSCar), and explores the use of geopolymer binders in refractory castables, focusing on thermal stability and sintering behavior.

     Adding to the recognition, Thiago Wisley Barbosa de Farias also participated in the JECS Trust Student Pitch Contest, a competition focused on short research presentations. His outstanding performance earned him an Honorable Mention for Best Pitch (2nd place), reinforcing the high quality of training provided to DEMa/UFSCar students.

     These achievements highlight the relevance of the research developed by the Multidisciplinary Research Group in Ceramic Engineering (GEMEC), led by Prof. Ana Paula da Luz and Prof. Marcio Raymundo Morelli at DEMa/UFSCar, especially in the areas of advanced ceramics, 3D printing, and geopolymers. The awards received at the 69th CBC reflect the group’s commitment to innovation, the training of highly qualified researchers, and the production of high-impact scientific knowledge.

                                                                                          ^{Images provided by the authors.}