Annamaria Visco

Professor Annamaria Visco is an Associate Professor for the SSD ING-IND/22 (Materials Science and Technology) at the Department of Engineering of the University of Messina (UniMe). She belongs to the Ministerial area 09 - Industrial and information engineering as a Second level tenured professor in the Competition macro-sector 09/D - CHEMICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING, specifically in the Competition sector 09/D1 - MATERIALS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.

Education:

• Degree in Chemistry from the University of Messina (5/12/1991) with grade 110/110 cum laude
• Qualification to practice as a Chemist (April 1992)
• Specialization in "Chemical process technologies" (20/12/1993) with grade 50/50
• PhD in "Chemistry of Materials for Special Uses" (01/07/1997)

Professor Visco's research focuses on the modification and chemical-physical and mechanical characterization of polymeric materials, bioplastics, nano-composite materials, polymer blends and (nano) composite materials with a polymer matrix. Her work spans biomedical, environmental, and naval applications in the field of materials engineering, accompanied by the study of suitable production methods and technologies. Her specific research lines include polymer matrix coatings for environmental applications, nano composites and biopolymer blends for biomedical applications, nano-structured materials for nanomedicine, and recycling of materials with "green" plastics production from agri-food waste.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on sustainable materials development, particularly in the areas of biocomposites from agri-food waste, bioplastics from renewable sources, and anti-corrosion coatings for marine applications. The research trends show an increasing emphasis on mathematical modeling of material properties and practical applications addressing Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good health and well-being) and 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Scientific Awards:

• Start Cup dell'Università degli Studi di Messina 2017

Professor Visco has served as scientific tutor for 10 PhD students and has been actively involved in numerous research projects. She has been Scientific Manager for several significant projects including THALASSA (PON 2014-2020), SI-MARE (PO FESR 2014-2020), and LIFE RESTART (LIFE 2021). Her editorial work includes serving as Associated Editor for the International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization and as a member of the editorial board for Polymers journal.

She is actively involved in multiple research groups including MTP-Mechanical Treatment Prototype, Laboratorio Polimeri, biopolimeri e composti, Laser plasmi e materiali innovativi, STrutture lIght-weight e biomateriaLi per applicazioni biomedichE (STILE), and progettazioNe grEen e lighTweight di navi e strutTUre off-shore.