Overview
The Sanchez group is dedicated to
advancing sustainable construction materials with minimal environmental impact,
focusing on performance, durability, and leveraging emerging technologies. We
explore pioneering concepts like integrating nanotechnology into concrete and
advancing 3D printing for concrete structures. Our research investigates the
intricate interplay between material chemistry and mechanics, emphasizing the
role of interfaces and interfacial processes in enhancing structural integrity
and overall performance. By delving into fundamental chemo-mechanical
mechanisms at the atomistic- to micro-scale to understand the evolution of
material engineering properties in response to internal and external stressors,
our goal is to engineer resilient, durable, and energy efficient infrastructure
materials. Ultimately, our overarching objective is to innovate materials and
construction solutions that meet sustainability goals and promote a
carbon-neutral future.
Awards
-National Science Foundation CAREER Award
-French Ministry of Higher Education and Research Fellowship, 1993-1996
Selected Publications
Effect of Carbon Nanofiber Clustering on the Micromechanical Properties of a Cement Paste. Brown L, Stephens CS, Allison PG, Sanchez F, Nanomaterials, 12, , (2022) View Abstract
Traction-separation response of bilayer graphene interfaces: The role of an intercalated single atomic layer of water molecules and hydroxyl groups. Al-Muhit B, Sanchez F, Applied Surface Science, 540, 148280, (2021) View Abstract
Nano-engineering of the mechanical properties of tobermorite 14Å with graphene via molecular dynamics simulations. Al-Muhit B, Sanchez F, Construction and Building Materials, 233, , (2020) View Abstract
Education
Ph.D., Environmental Eng., National Institute of Applied Sciences, Lyon, France, 1996D.E.A., Environmental Eng., National Institute of Applied Sciences, Lyon, France, 1992