Mauro Sardela

Mauro Sardela serves as Director of Research Facilities at the Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and is affiliated with the Illinois Global Institute Lemann Center for Brazilian Studies. His research focuses on advanced materials science, including geopolymers, nanotechnology, and sustainable construction materials. He leads studies on composite materials' mechanical properties, photocatalytic systems, and natural material preservation techniques. Key areas include particle size reduction in geopolymer composites, microwave-assisted synthesis of photocatalysts, and wood preservation using bio-based treatments. His work bridges environmental engineering and materials innovation, with applications in construction and energy sectors. Sardela collaborates extensively on interdisciplinary projects, particularly leveraging Brazilian natural resources for sustainable material development. His lab, part of the Materials Research Laboratory, emphasizes cutting-edge material characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction and advanced microscopy.