Fatih Üstel

Prof. Dr. Fatih Üstel, founder and president of the Thermal Spray Research and Application Laboratory (SAU-TESLAB) at Sakarya University, is a leading expert in thermal spray coatings, biomedical materials, and surface engineering. Since joining the Faculty of Engineering’s Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, he has pioneered research in YSZ thermal barrier coatings, hydroxyapatite composites, and industrial coating applications.

His work has been recognized through multiple awards, including the

• 1st Publication Encouragement Award (TÜBİTAK, 2010)
• DAAD research grants (2003, 2006)
• 2016 patent for antibacterial nanosilver coatings

Prof. Üstel’s recent publications focus on thermal barrier durability, biomedical implant surface treatments, and composite coating innovation. He has secured funding from institutions like TÜBİTAK, DPT, and the Ministry of Industry, while mentoring numerous PhD and Master’s students at SAU-TESLAB. His research emphasizes industry-university collaboration, with projects spanning aerospace, dental implants, and corrosion-resistant industrial coatings.