Understanding Glass and Melt processes

From Nanoscale Structure to Macroscopic Properties

About me

I am an Earth scientist by education, an experimental volcanologist, and a materials scientist with a strong background in the development and analysis of advanced materials, such as glasses, melts, and structured solids.

Currently, I serve as a Senior Scientist at the Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics (ISSMC), National Research Council of Italy (CNR).

I am also the Head of the GLASS laboratory (Gateway Laboratory of Amorphous and Structured Solids and melts), where I investigate the fundamental physicochemical processes that control the structure and properties of amorphous and crystalline materials under different conditions of temperature, pressure and environment atmosphere.

I hold an Honorary Staff position at Bavarian Research Institute of Experimental Geochemistry and Geophysics (BGI) at the University of Bayreuth (Germany).

I am the Principal Investigator of the ERC Consolidator Grant (2021) NANOVOLC “Nanoscale dynamics of volcanic processes: Experimental insights and numerical simulations of explosive eruptions”.

Research focus

My research explores the physicochemical processes in silicate glasses, melts, and magmas, focusing on how these processes influence the structure and physical properties of related materials. To address these questions, I perform advanced analytical, thermodynamic, and spectroscopic measurements, I use high-temperature and high-pressure experimental techniques, and synchrotron X-ray facilities.

Industrial applications

My expertise and research have also strong industrial relevance, particularly in the glass, ceramics, and high-performance materials sectors. The experimental techniques and insights I develop provide critical understanding of the structure and properties of materials under different and extreme conditions, enabling innovations in product design and sustainability. Some key areas of application include:

  • Raw material optimization: By studying the behavior of silicate melts and glasses, my work contributes to the more efficient use of raw materials, enhancing the quality and performance of final products. This includes identifying optimal compositions and conditions for the production of new glasses, ceramics, and other high-value materials.
  • Circular economy and material sustainability: A significant aspect of my research focuses on the reuse and recycling of natural materials and other by-products, to create high-performance materials. This approach not only reduces reliance on raw materials but also aligns with circular economy principles, offering sustainable solutions for the production of advanced materials.
  • Sustainable manufacturing processes: By understanding the physicochemical behavior of materials under extreme conditions, I help optimize industrial processes to minimize energy consumption and waste, improving both environmental and economic performance.
  • High-value new materials from natural resources: There is incredible potential in natural materials. Leveraging naturally occurring raw materials, my research explores innovative ways to transform these into advanced functional materials with applications in electronics, optics, and structural components, fostering both economic value and environmental responsibility.

I combine cutting-edge experimental techniques with a broad, multidisciplinary approach. The goal? To provide insights and advances that companies can actually use to develop the next generation of technologies and products in the materials industry