CNR - National Research Council, IPCB - Institue of POlymers, Composites and Biomaterials | Italy
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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓
Dr. Mauro Zarrelli's academic journey began at Federico II, Naples University, where he pursued a Master's Degree in Materials Engineering from 1993 to 1998. His final research project focused on analyzing fatigue properties and mechanical performance of structural composite materials based on polymer matrices. His dedication to advanced materials science led him to Cranfield University (UK), where he completed a PhD in 2002 under the supervision of Prof. Ivana K. Partridge. His doctoral research involved finite element modeling (FEM) of heat transfer and residual stresses in composite materials, contributing to innovations in thermosetting resin systems for aerospace applications.
Professional Endeavors 🏆
Dr. Zarrelli's career trajectory has been marked by significant professional advancements. In 2014, he received habilitation as an Associate Professor in Material Science and Technology (ING/IND-22) from the Italian Ministry of Education, University, and Research (MIUR). His growing expertise led to habilitation as a Full Professor in Aerospace Engineering (ING/IND-04) in 2022, and in 2023, he secured full professorship in Material Science and Technology (ING/IND-22). Additionally, he was recognized as a Chartered Engineer in Benevento province (2000–2018), solidifying his professional standing in engineering sciences.
Contributions and Research Focus 🔬
A leader in materials science and aerospace engineering, Dr. Zarrelli has made pioneering contributions in:
- Polymer composites (cure kinetics, rheology, mechanical properties)
- Nanocomposites (MWCNT, graphene-reinforced polymers)
- Energy harvesting systems
- Aerospace and space materials
- Fire resistance and thermal analysis
- Structural performance assessment
His expertise extends to thermal analysis, microcalorimetry, mechanical testing, microscopy, and structural characterization techniques, making him a sought-after researcher in the field.
Accolades and Recognition 🏅
Dr. Zarrelli’s excellence in research has been recognized through multiple prestigious grants and awards:
- 1997–1998: Grant for Final Degree Thesis from Italian Car Association and ELASYS (FIAT Group).
- 1999–2001: Research Proposal Grant from AUDI Foundation, UK, for developing a novel Young’s Modulus measurement holder for thermosetting resins.
- Invited Speaker at International Conferences , including SAMPE (1998), ECCM8 (1998), and AIMAT (1998).
Impact and Influence 🌍
As an expert reviewer for national and international research institutions, Dr. Zarrelli has played a vital role in evaluating projects for organizations like:
- European Research Centre
- French Research Agency
- UK National Commission for UNESCO
- Poland Narodowe Centrum Nauki
- Romanian Ministry of Education
- European Science Foundation
His insights have significantly influenced research funding, policy-making, and scientific advancements in nanotechnology, polymer composites, and aerospace materials.
Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀
With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Mauro Zarrelli has made lasting contributions to materials science and aerospace engineering. His research on advanced composites, fire-resistant materials, and nanotechnology continues to shape the industry, ensuring safer, more efficient, and high-performance materials for aerospace, automotive, and energy applications. As a leading scientist in polymer physics and nanocomposites, Dr. Zarrelli is expected to drive future innovations in sustainable materials, intelligent structural monitoring, and next-generation aerospace systems. His work stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research in shaping the future of engineering and material sciences.
Publications
📄 An Experimental Approach for Investigating Fatigue-Induced Debonding Propagation in Composite Stiffened Panels Using Thermographic Phase Mapping
Authors: A. Riccio, A. Russo, C. Toscano, M. Zarrelli
Journal: Polymers
Year: 2025
📄 Unstable Delamination Growth in Stiffened Composite Panels Under Cyclic Loading Conditions
Authors: R. Castaldo, A. Russo, M. Zarrelli, C. Toscano, A. Riccio
Journal: Polymers
Year: 2024
📄 The Effect of Carbon-Based Nanofillers on Cryogenic Temperature Mechanical Properties of CFRPs
Authors: A. Zotti, S. Zuppolini, A. Borriello, L. Trinchillo, M. Zarrelli
Journal: Polymers
Year: 2024
📄 Hierarchical Aerospace Epoxy Composites of Carbon Fiber and Hyperbranched Filler: Toughening Behavior from Nanocomposites to Composites
Authors: A. Zotti, S. Zuppolini, A. Borriello, V. Vinti, M. Zarrelli
Journal: Composite Structures
Year: 2024
📄 Impact-Dynamic Properties of Aromatic Hyperbranched Polyester/RTM6 Epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: A.M. Elmahdy, N. Ghavanini, A. Zotti, A. Borriello, P. Verleysen
Journal: Materials Letters
Year: 2023