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Curriculum

Paola SCARFATO Curriculum

Curriculum vitae of prof. SCARFATO Paola

BASIC INFORMATION

  • Date of birth: July 21th, 1970
  • Current position: Associate Professor of Materials Science and Technology at the Department of Industrial Engineering (DIIn), University of Salerno

ACADEMIC CAREER

  • November 2018 - Qualification as Full Professor of Materials Science and Technology (09/D1, SSD ING/IND-22)
  • Since December 2011 - Permanent role as Associate Professor of Materials Science and Technology (09/D1, SSD ING/IND-22)
  • 2010 - Qualification for the role of Associate Professor of Materials Science and Technology (09/D1, SSD ING/IND-22)
  • January 2004 - Permanent role as Assistant Professor of Chemical Fundamental of Technology, Department of Chemical and Food Engineering

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • 2019 – Teaching activity (1 week) within the Erasmus+ program at ESIROI – University of La Réunion (France)
  • 2018 – Teaching activity (1 week) within the Erasmus+ program at IUT de Saint-Brieuc – University of Rennes 1 (France)
  • 2017 - Visiting Scientist (1 week) within the Erasmus+ program at Fraunhofer-Institut für Verfahrenstechnik und Verpackung IVV – Freising (Germany)
  • 2017 – Teaching activity (1 week) within the Erasmus+ program at ESIROI – University of La Réunion (France)
  • 2015 – Visiting Scientist (5 months) at BAM - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und Pruefung – Berlin (Germany)
  • 2001 - 2003 - Research Fellow at the Department of Materials and Production Engineering of University of Naples Federico II
  • 1999 - 2001 Research Fellow at the Department of Chemical and Food Engineering of University of Salerno
  • 1999 - Post-Doctoral grants from University of Salerno
  • January 1999 - PhD in Chemical Technologies and New Materials from University of Palermo; title: “Problems related to recycling of plastics in the food packaging sector”.
  • October 1993 - Master Degree in Chemistry from University of Naples Federico II with full marks (110/110 et laude).

TEACHING ACTIVITY

  • Since 2020: class of "Polymer nanocomposites: Properties and Applications", M.D. in "Chemical Engineering" at University of Salerno
  • Since 2020: class of "Applied Chemistry Tecnologies", B.D. in "Chemical Engineering" at University of Salerno
  • Since 2011: class of "Materials Technology", M.D. in "Architectural Engineering" at University of Salerno
  • Since 2004: class of "Chemistry", B.D. in "Civil Engineering" and " Civil Engineering for the Environment and Territory " at University of Salerno
  • Mentor/co-Mentor of about 6 Bachelor/Master thesis in the field of Plastic Engineering
  • Supervisor of 2 PhD students
  • 2011-2012: teaching support activity for classes of "Polymer Technologies" and “Materials Science and Technology”, B.D. in "Chemical Engineering" at University of Salerno

ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS

  • Since 2021: member of the College of Expert Reviewer of the European Science Foundation (EFS)
  • Since 2018: member of the Scientific Committee of the 1st level Master in “Sustainable Materials and Technologies for Polymeric and Cellulosic Packaging” - University of Salerno.
  • Since 2013: member of the PhD Doctoral College in “Ingegneria Industriale” - University of Salerno
  • 2010-2015: member of the PhD Doctoral College in "Ingegneria Chimica" - University of Salerno
  • 2009-2011: member of the PhD Doctoral College in "Scienza e tecnologie per l'industria chimica, farmaceutica e alimentare" - University of Salerno
  • 2004-2011: member of the PhD Doctoral College in "Ingegneria Chimica" – University of Salerno
  • Member of the Reviewer Panel of REPRISE (Register of Scientific Experts at MIUR)
  • Appointed member of the Reviewer Panel of FONDECYT (National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development of CHILE)
  • Member of the Editorial Board of the journals “Polymer Degradation and Stability” (Q1, Elsevier) and “Polymer” (Q1; MDPI).
  • Outstanding Reviewer of Polymer Degradation and Stability (Editor: Elsevier; Q1 in the subject category "Polymers and Plastics"), Composites Part B: Engineering (Editor: Elsevier; Q1 in the subject category "Ceramics and Composites"), and Construction and Building Materials (Editor: Elsevier; Q1 in the subject category "Materials Science - Miscellaneous"); Recognized Reviewer of Thermochimica Acta (Editor: Elsevier; Q1 in the subject category "Instrumentation"); and Peer-Reviewer for many International scientific journals, among them: Polymer Composites, Materials, Packaging Technology and Science, Journal of Polymer Engineering, Food Packaging and Shelf Life, International Journal of Architectural Heritage.

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SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY (with quality and impact of publications, bibliometric indices, awards, and other notable results)

OVERALL PRODUCTION

The first publication on a peer-reviewed journal was at the end of 1999. Since then, the scientific production yielded to:

  • 78 papers in major international peer reviewed journals;
  • more than 100 conference proceedings (32 of which are ISI-indexed);
  • 2 invited book chapters;
  • 34 conference communications as speaker
  • 1 international (EU/US) patent granted (EP 2063712 B1/US8901037B2).

OVERALL QUALITY OF SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTION

The overall quality of the scientific output of Paola Scarfato can be inferred from the following points:

  • >70% of publications in the first quartile (Q1) of the corresponding Subject Category (ISI Web of Science).

BIBLIOMETRIC INDICES (source: Scopus, accessed on October 28th, 2022)

  • About 1838 citations (self-citations <23%)
  • H-index = 24

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RESEARCH INTERESTS

The main research lines concern (1) the development of innovative and high-performance polymer systems for several application fields (packaging, construction, solar cells, …), (2) the recycling of polymers, (3) the study of materials durability, and (4) the formulation and the effectiveness evaluation of new functional additives and systems.

  1. Innovative and high-performance polymer-based systems, based on conventional, biodegradable, virgin and recycled components, are developed through the development of new formulations, mono and multi-phase (i.e. micro-, nano- and micro-fibrillar composites, active, multilayer), and the in-depth analysis of their composition-processing-structure-property relationships. Lab-scale processing plants (extrusion, film and fiber production, FDM 3D printing) give the opportunity to obtain prototypes to validate the technological solutions developed with an assessment of their potential applicability on an industrial scale in several fields, including food packaging, agrochemical, construction building.
  2. The necessary scientific tools to enable the improved primary and secondary thermo-mechanical recycling of polymer-based materials are developed. Research topics include studies on closed loop recycling for packaging applications, use of additives as recycling aids and compatibilization of mixed recycled polymers.
  3. Durability of inorganic and polymeric materials for several application fields (packaging, construction, photovoltaic) is investigated performing accelerated weathering tests and analyzing their effects on structure and relevant functional properties of the considered substrate. Protective and/or consolidating additives and systems are also developed and evaluated.
  4. Research line involves the synthesis and the structure and properties characterizations of functional additives suitable for incorporation into polymer matrices, and their use for preparation of active systems (biocide, antioxidant, O2-scavengers, thermal-regulating).

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INVOLVEMENT IN RESEARCH PROJECTS

Paola Scarfato is/has been Scientific Responsible or component of Research Unit in several projects with Industries and Public Institutions, among which:

  • Project “CLEAN - Valorizing Sustainable Plastics through a CLEver use of NANoparticles” (PRIN 2017, 36 months). Role: Scientific Responsible of Research Unit.
  • Project "Production and Characterization of recycled polymer blends for pallets and related modeling" (REPULP S.r.l., 24 months). Role: Scientific Responsible.
  • European Project PackAlliance: European alliance for innovation training & collaboration towards future packaging (Erasmus+, Key Action 2: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices (Call: EAC/A03/2018) (48 months). Role: component of Research Unit.
  • European Project CIRCUL-A-BILITY “Rethinking Packaging for Circular and Sustainable Food Supply Chains of the Future (COST Action CA19124, 29/10/2020-28/10/2024). Role: Component of Research Unit and Substitute Member of the Management Committee.
  • Project “Recycling of post-consumer polymers for production of nanocomposite systems” (CONAI, 24 months). Role: component of Research Unit.
  • Triennial research projects (PON02_00029_3206010 "TECOP - TECNOLOGIE DI PRODUZIONE DI COMPOSTI A MATRICE POLIMERICA"; PON01_00519 “SCILLA-M Strutture, Componenti Innovativi Light per Applicazioni Metro”; PON PON01_01409 “SAFEMEAT - Process and product innovations to increase safety profiles and to diversify the range of fresh and cured pork products). Role: component of Research Unit.
  • Project “Made in Italy - Development of innovative polymer packaging for high quality food and on-line measuring techniques for the optimization and control of the related production processes” (MISE, cod. MI01_00311); (24 months). Role: component of Research Unit.
  • Project "TRIPODE – Laboratory for the development of Research and Integration Technologies of POlimers in Electronic Devices" - "Public-private laboratory for the development of polymeric materials of electronic interest for the realization of new chips " (M.U.R., Lab. N. 7 – Ric. N. 2246 – D.D. n. 602 Ric. 14/3/05); (24 months). Role: component of Research Unit.
  • PRIN 2004 “Trattamenti innovativi di matrici polimeriche mediante applicatori a microonde”; (24 months). Role: component of Research Unit.
  • PRIN 2001 “Preparation and characterization of silicate polymer nanocomposites as barrier materials for packaging”; (24 months). Role: component of Research Unit.
  • CAMPUS SIDIR “System demand, innovation and research in the field of polymers and new materials” POR Campania FESR 2007-2013. Role: component of Research Unit.
  • Research Contract with CNR-IMCB (“Microencapsulation for the controlled activation of crosslinking agents for high performance epoxy resins"; 6 months). Role: Scientific Responsible.

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RECENT SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

  1. Apicella, A., D’Arienzo, L., Caridi, S., Pietrosanto, A., Scarfato, P. Development of a multifunctional nanocomposite system for protection, consolidation and microbial growth prevention of porous stones: A case study for the conservation of tuff (2022) Case Studies in Construction Materials 16, e00993
  2. Apicella, A., Barbato, A., Garofalo, E., Incarnato, L., Scarfato, P. Effect of PVOH/PLA + Wax Coatings on Physical and Functional Properties of Biodegradable Food Packaging Films (2022) Polymers 14(5),935
  3. Carroccio, S., Scarfato, P., Bruno, E., Aprea, P., Dintcheva, N., Filippone, G. Impact of nanoparticles on the environmental sustainability of polymer nanocomposites based on bioplastics or recycled plastics – A review of life-cycle assessment studies (2022) Journal of Cleaner Production 335, 130322
  4. Garofalo, E., Di Maio, L., Scarfato, P., Apicella, A., Protopapa, A., Incarnato, L. Nanosilicates in compatibilized mixed recycled polyolefins: Rheological behavior and film production in a circular approach (2021) Nanomaterials 11(8),2128
  5. Garofalo, E., Di Maio, L., Scarfato, P., Pietrosanto, A., Protopapa, A., Incarnato, L. Study on improving the processability and properties of mixed polyolefin post-consumer plastics for piping applications (2021) Polymers 13(1),71
  6. Pietrosanto, A., Scarfato, P., Di Maio, L., Incarnato, L. Development of eco-sustainable PBAT-based blown films and performance analysis for food packaging applications (2020) Materials 13(23),5395
  7. Pietrosanto, A., Scarfato, P., Di Maio, L., Nobile, M.R.,Incarnato, L. Evaluation of the suitability of poly(lactide)/poly(butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) blown films for chilled and frozen food packaging applications (2020) Polymers 12(4),804
  8. Garofalo, E., Di Maio, L., Scarfato, P., Di Gregorio, F., Incarnato, L. Nanotechnology-based strategy to upgrade the performances of plastic flexible film waste (2019) Polymers 11(5),830
  9. Scarfato, P., Schiavone, N., Rossi, G., Incarnato, L. An easy route to wettability changes of polyethylene terephthalate-silicon oxide substrate films for high barrier applications, surface-modified with a self-assembled monolayer of fluoroalkylsilanes (2019) Polymers 1(2),257
  10. Apicella, A., Scarfato, P., Di Maio, L., Incarnato, L. Sustainable Active PET Films by Functionalization with Antimicrobial Bio-Coatings (2019) Frontiers in Materials (6),243
  11. Pietrosanto, A., Scarfato, P., Di Maio, L., Incarnato, L. NIAS exposure assessment: Comparison of different tools (2019) Chemical Engineering Transactions, 74, pp. 1399-1404
  12. Coppola, B., Cappetti, N., Maio, L.D., Scarfato, P., Incarnato, L. 3D printing of PLA/clay nanocomposites: Influence of printing temperature on printed samples properties (2018) Materials, 11 (10), art. no. 1947.
  13. Garofalo, E., Scarfato, P., Di Maio, L., Incarnato, L. Tuning of co-extrusion processing conditions and film layout to optimize the performances of PA/PE multilayer nanocomposite films for food packaging (2018) Polymer Composites, 39 (9), pp. 3157-3167.
  14. Apicella, A., Scarfato, P., Di Maio, L., Incarnato, L. Oxygen absorption data of multilayer oxygen scavenger-polyester films with different layouts (2018) Data in Brief, 19, pp. 1530-1536.
  15. Apicella, A., Scarfato, P., Di Maio, L., Incarnato, L. Transport properties of multilayer active PET films with different layers configuration (2018) Reactive and Functional Polymers, 127, pp. 29-37.
  16. Garofalo, E., Di Maio, L., Scarfato, P., Di Gregorio, F., Incarnato, L. Reactive compatibilization and melt compounding with nanosilicates of post-consumer flexible plastic packagings (2018) Polymer Degradation and Stability, 152, pp. 52-63.
  17. Di Maio, L., Coppola, B., Courard, L., Michel, F., Incarnato, L., Scarfato, P. Data on thermal conductivity, water vapour permeability and water absorption of a cementitious mortar containing end-of-waste plastic aggregates (2018) Data in Brief, 18, pp. 1057-1063.
  18. Coppola, B., Courard, L., Michel, F., Incarnato, L., Scarfato, P., Di Maio, L. Hygro-thermal and durability properties of a lightweight mortar made with foamed plastic waste aggregates (2018) Construction and Building Materials, 170, pp. 200-206.
  19. Scarfato, P., Di Maio, L., Milana, M.R., Giamberardini, S., Denaro, M., Incarnato, L. Performance properties, lactic acid specific migration and swelling by simulant of biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/nanoclay multilayer films for food packaging (2017) Food Additives and Contaminants - Part A Chemistry, Analysis, Control, Exposure and Risk Assessment, 34 (10), pp. 1730-1742.
  20. Coppola, B., Scarfato, P., Incarnato, L., Di Maio, L. Morphology development and mechanical properties variation during cold-drawing of polyethylene-clay nanocomposite fibers (2017) Polymers, 9 (6), art. no. 235.
  21. Scarfato, P., Garofalo, E., Di Maio, L., Incarnato, L. Transport, mechanical and global migration data of multilayer copolyamide nanocomposite films with different layouts (2017) Data in Brief, 12, pp. 540-545.
  22. Scarfato, P., Avallone, E., Galdi, M.R., Di Maio, L., Incarnato, L. Preparation, characterization, and oxygen scavenging capacity of biodegradable α-tocopherol/PLA microparticles for active food packaging applications (2017) Polymer Composites, 38 (5), pp. 981-986.
  23. Scarfato, P., Di Maio, L., Incarnato, L. Structure and physical-mechanical properties related to comfort of flexible polyurethane foams for mattress and effects of artificial weathering (2017) Composites Part B: Engineering, 109, pp. 45-52.
  24. Scarfato, P., Avallone, E., Incarnato, L., Di Maio, L. Development and evaluation of halloysite nanotube-based carrier for biocide activity in construction materials protection (2016) Applied Clay Science, 132-133, pp. 336-342.
  25. Scarfato, P., Incarnato, L., Di Maio, L., Dittrich, B., Schartel, B. Influence of a novel organo-silylated clay on the morphology, thermal and burning behavior of low density polyethylene composites (2016) Composites Part B: Engineering, 98, pp. 444-452.
  26. Di Maio, L., Garofalo, E., Scarfato, P., Incarnato, L. Effect of polymer/organoclay composition on morphology and rheological properties of polylactide nanocomposites (2015) Polymer Composites, 36 (6), pp. 1135-1144.
  27. Scarfato, P., Acierno, D., Russo, P. Photooxidative weathering of biodegradable nanocomposite films containing halloysite (2015) Polymer Composites, 36 (6), pp. 1169-1175.
  28. Rossi, G., Altavilla, C., Scarfato, P., Ciambelli, P., Incarnato, L. Durability study of transparent and flexible nanolayer barrier for photovoltaic devices (2015) Polymer Degradation and Stability, 112, pp. 160-166.
  29. Di Maio, L., Scarfato, P., Galdi, M.R., Incarnato, L. Development and oxygen scavenging performance of three-layer active PET films for food packaging (2015) Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 132 (7), 41465.
  30. Rossi, G., Altavilla, C., Scarfato, P., Ciambelli, P., Incarnato, L. Deposition of transparent and flexible nanolayer barrier on standard coating materials for photovoltaic devices (2014) Surface and Coatings Technology, 239, pp. 200-205.
  31. Scarfato, P., Di Maio, L., Garofalo, E., Incarnato, L. Three-layered coextruded cast films based on conventional and metallocene poly(ethylene/α-olefin) copolymers (2014) Journal of Plastic Film and Sheeting, 30 (3), pp. 284-299.
  32. Di Maio, L., Scarfato, P., Milana, M.R., Feliciani, R., Denaro, M., Padula, G., Incarnato, L. Bionanocomposite polylactic acid/organoclay films: Functional properties and measurement of total and lactic acid specific migration (2014) Packaging Technology and Science, 27 (7), pp. 535-547.