Giuseppe Ferrara

Giuseppe Ferrara is a Fixed-term Assistant Professor at the Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT) of the Polytechnic of Turin, specializing in sustainable building materials and carbon capture technologies. He has been a Researcher at DISAT since November 2024, following a research fellowship at the same department from April 2021. His academic journey includes a post-doctoral position at the Laboratory of Composite Materials for Constructions at University Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (July 2020-March 2021) and a PhD with double degree from the University of Salerno and University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, awarded in April 2020.

• PhD: University of Salerno and University Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (April 2020)
• Post-doc: Laboratory of Composite Materials for Constructions, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (July 2020-March 2021)
• Research Fellow: DISAT, Polytechnic of Turin (April 2021-November 2024)
• Researcher/Assistant Professor: DISAT, Polytechnic of Turin (November 2024-present)

Dr. Ferrara's research focuses on developing sustainable construction materials with emphasis on carbon capture and utilization technologies. His work centers on supplementary cementitious materials, carbon capture utilization and storage in building materials, and plant fibers in sustainable inorganic matrix composites for masonry retrofitting. He also investigates timber-concrete composite structures, GFRP pultruded structures, and fiber reinforced polymeric composites. His research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 12 (Responsible consumption and production), and 13 (Climate action).

His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward CO2 sequestration through mineral carbonation of industrial byproducts, particularly electric arc furnace (EAF) steel slag and cement production waste. His work combines experimental design, process optimization, and characterization of materials for sustainable construction applications. A significant portion of his research also focuses on natural fiber composites, especially Textile Reinforced Mortars (TRM) using flax and other plant fibers for structural strengthening of masonry buildings.

• Teaching Assistant: Restoration project (Materials Science and Technology module) for Heritage Architecture (2024/25)
• Course Collaborator: Restoration project, Challenge@PoliTo by Firms programs, and Materials courses for Design and Civil Engineering programs
• Invited Member: PhD course on 3D Printing of Ceramic Materials (2024/25)

Dr. Ferrara has conducted visiting research at multiple international institutions including the Low CO2 Built Environment Innovation Center for Sustainable Construction (ICSC) in the Netherlands, Center of Sustainable Materials and Technologies (NUMATS) in Brazil, Federal Institute for Material Research and Testing (BAM) in Germany, and Laboratory of Composite Materials for Constructions (LMC2) in France. His work bridges materials science, civil engineering, and environmental sustainability, with a strong focus on practical applications for greener construction practices.