Research Statement
My research focuses on the design and optimization of nano-reinforced and low-carbon cementitious materials for sustainable and resilient infrastructure. By tailoring the nano- and micro-scale structure of the cementitious matrix, I aim to control early-age rheology while enhancing long-term mechanical performance and durability.
I work at the intersection of materials science and structural engineering, combining multiscale experimental testing with advanced characterization techniques (SEM–EDS, XRD, FTIR, Raman, AFM–QNM/nano-IR, nano-CT, calorimetry, TGA, rheometry). This approach enables a fundamental understanding of how SCMs, nanomaterials, and hybrid fiber systems modify the microstructure of cementitious binders and translate into improved toughness, stiffness, and resistance to deterioration mechanisms such as alkali–silica reaction (ASR).
Research Areas
Nano-reinforced cementitious composites
CNT/CNF-modified binders and hybrid fiber systems to enhance tensile strength, toughness, and post-crack energy absorption.
Low-embodied-carbon & COâ‚‚-utilizing concretes
SCMs (calcined clays, slag, fly ash), biochar, and mineralization strategies to reduce cement-related emissions.
Concrete rheology & early-age behavior
Tailoring fresh-state rheology for pumpability, workability, and advanced applications such as 3D printing.
ASR mitigation & durability
Metakaolin–CNT blends and microstructural engineering to control expansion and preserve mechanical performance.
Current Projects
CNT–calcined clay blends in PLC/OPC concretes
Development of nano-modified binders using CNTs and calcined clays to improve flexural strength, elastic modulus, and pre-crack energy absorption in structural concretes.
Low-embodied-carbon concretes and COâ‚‚ utilization
Integration of SCMs, biochar, and COâ‚‚-utilizing strategies to reduce cement clinker content while maintaining or enhancing mechanical performance and durability.
ASR mitigation using metakaolin–CNT systems
Tailoring microstructure and C–S–H chemistry with metakaolin and CNTs to increase alkali binding, reduce ASR expansion, and preserve stiffness and toughness under aggressive exposure.
Rheology and early-age behavior of nano-modified concretes
Linking particle-scale interactions and nanofiller networks to fresh-state rheology, pumpability, and buildability for advanced applications such as 3D printing.
Research Impact
The overarching goal of my work is to enable the next generation of high-performance, low-carbon concrete systems. By combining SCMs, nanomaterials, and multiscale characterization, my research provides mechanistic insight and practical mix-design strategies that can be translated into structural applications. This includes concretes with significantly enhanced toughness and stiffness, mixtures that mitigate ASR while retaining mechanical performance, and binder systems that contribute to meaningful reductions in the carbon footprint of infrastructure without compromising safety or service life.