Catarina Esteves

Dr. Catarina Esteves is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Chemistry at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). She holds dual appointments in the School of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and serves as an ICMS Core member. Her academic journey includes a PhD from the University of Aveiro (2007), postdoctoral research at TU/e’s Materials & Interface Chemistry laboratory (2006–2009), and a transition to the Physical Chemistry lab in 2015. She teaches courses in Coatings Science & Technology, Nanochemistry, and Nanotechnology, focusing on interdisciplinary education for multicultural and multidisciplinary audiences.

Her research revolves around polymers, colloids, surfaces, and interfaces, with a focus on designing “Smart Coatings” for automotive, aerospace, marine, and biomedical applications. Key innovations include self-healing, anti-fouling, and stimuli-responsive coatings. Esteves collaborates with chemists, physicists, and industry partners, combining experimental and theoretical approaches. She leads projects like PFAS-free hydrophobic coatings for lithographic equipment and interpenetrating polymer networks for damping materials.

Esteves actively contributes to academic leadership, serving as Board Editor of Progress in Organic Coatings, Chair of the Coatings Science International Conference (Cosi), and Scientific Board member of the NICE Conference. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing sustainable and efficient material design inspired by nature.