Marcio Mafra | Plasma Treatments / Surface Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Marcio Mafra | Plasma Treatments / Surface Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Federal University of Technology – Parana | Brazil

Prof. Dr. Márcio Mafra is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, with specialization in plasma technologies, surface treatments, and advanced materials characterization. With more than two decades of experience as a professor and researcher at the Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Brazil, he has become a reference in the study of plasma processes applied to engineering. His scientific trajectory demonstrates a consistent effort in integrating advanced plasma science with industrial applications, contributing to the advancement of tribological coatings, thermal and thermochemical treatments, and plasma cleaning technologies. Over the years, he has successfully coordinated and participated in several funded projects from CNPq, CAPES, and Fundação Araucária, collaborating with national and international partners to generate impactful research outcomes. Beyond his academic responsibilities, Prof. Mafra has played active roles in leadership and academic governance, serving on program councils, commissions, and research committees that shape the direction of engineering education and research in Brazil. His dedication to mentoring graduate and doctoral students ensures continuity in cutting-edge plasma research. Recognized for his innovative contributions, Prof. Mafra exemplifies the qualities of a researcher who bridges the gap between fundamental science and engineering practice.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Prof. Dr. Márcio Mafra completed his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Production Engineering at the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Brazil. Building upon his strong foundations in mechanical sciences, he pursued his Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering at UFSC, where he focused on plasma sintering and powder metallurgy. His research during the master’s program, completed, demonstrated early interest in plasma-assisted processing of materials, which later became his career-defining field. He then advanced his academic journey by undertaking a Ph.D. in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at UFSC, with joint research at the prestigious Laboratoire de Science et Génie des Surfaces (LSGS) in Nancy, France. Under the guidance of renowned advisors and in collaboration with international teams, he investigated plasma cleaning, diagnostics, and surface treatments, contributing to innovative studies in plasma-materials interaction. He was awarded the doctoral degree, establishing himself as an expert in applied plasma physics and engineering. Supported by research scholarships from leading Brazilian scientific funding agencies such as CNPq and CAPES, Prof. Mafra’s academic path reflects a balance of theoretical rigor and applied engineering practice. This educational trajectory laid the groundwork for his significant contributions to plasma-based surface engineering.

Professional Experience

Prof. Dr. Márcio Mafra has built a distinguished career as a professor and researcher at the Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), where he has been employed. Currently, he holds a full-time teaching and research position, contributing to both undergraduate and graduate programs in Mechanical and Materials Engineering. He has taught advanced subjects such as plasma processing, thermal treatments, coatings, and materials characterization. Over the years, he has been entrusted with key leadership roles, including membership in the Graduate Program Council (PPGEM), the Mechanical Technology Chamber (CATEC), and serving as Departmental Council President at UTFPR. he also coordinated the Higher Course in Technology in Mechanics, showcasing his administrative and leadership skills in curriculum design and academic development. Beyond teaching, Prof. Mafra has led and participated in a broad range of research and development projects, many of which focus on plasma-assisted treatments, corrosion resistance, and functional coatings. His contributions extend to supervising undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, building strong research groups within UTFPR. His career reflects a balanced commitment to teaching, academic leadership, and scientific inquiry, making him an influential figure in Brazilian mechanical and materials engineering education.

Research Interests

The research interests of Prof. Dr. Márcio Mafra are centered on the applications of plasma technology in materials science and engineering. His primary focus includes plasma cleaning processes, plasma diagnostics, plasma-assisted thermo-chemical treatments, and the development of functional coatings for enhanced mechanical performance. He investigates the fundamental mechanisms of plasma-material interactions and translates this knowledge into applied engineering solutions for surface modification, corrosion resistance, and wear reduction. His research lines also cover thermal and thermochemical treatments such as nitriding and boriding, plasma sintering, and microplasma generation for advanced manufacturing. He is particularly interested in understanding how different plasma conditions influence surface properties of metallic, ceramic, and polymeric materials, enabling the design of advanced coatings with tribological and corrosion-resistant features. Another area of interest is the integration of plasma technologies with industry, where he collaborates with companies and industrial partners to enhance material durability and optimize manufacturing processes. By bridging theoretical plasma physics with applied materials science, Prof. Mafra’s work has contributed to advancing plasma engineering both in academic research and industrial practice. His research interests demonstrate a strong interdisciplinary nature, intersecting physics, mechanical engineering, and materials science to deliver impactful innovations.

Research Skills

Prof. Dr. Márcio Mafra possesses extensive research skills that encompass experimental, analytical, and diagnostic methods in plasma technology and surface engineering. His expertise lies in designing and conducting plasma-assisted treatments for metals and alloys, including plasma nitriding, boriding, and thermochemical diffusion processes. He has advanced skills in developing coatings using thermal spraying and welding processes, complemented by mechanical and chemical characterization techniques such as hardness testing, adhesion evaluation, corrosion resistance analysis, and microscopic investigations. He is also proficient in the use of plasma diagnostics, employing electrostatic probes, emission spectroscopy, and advanced microscopy techniques to monitor and optimize plasma processes. Additionally, he demonstrates strong capabilities in experimental design, project management, and collaborative research, having successfully coordinated multi-institutional and government-funded projects. His ability to translate experimental results into practical industrial applications highlights his applied research skills. Beyond laboratory expertise, he has cultivated mentoring and supervision skills, guiding numerous graduate and doctoral students through complex research projects. His broad technical background, combined with leadership in research teams, positions him as a versatile and skilled researcher capable of addressing multidisciplinary challenges in plasma engineering and advanced materials processing.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his academic career, Prof. Dr. Márcio Mafra has been recognized for his contributions to research and teaching. He has received prestigious scholarships and research productivity grants from Brazilian scientific funding agencies, including the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) and the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES). These honors reflect his long-standing contributions to advancing plasma-based research and materials engineering in Brazil. His leadership in research projects funded by Fundação Araucária and other national agencies demonstrates his consistent ability to secure competitive funding and lead high-impact studies. In addition to institutional recognition, he has gained professional visibility through invited research collaborations with European laboratories, particularly in France, where his doctoral research was jointly developed. His role in mentoring and supervising graduate students who have gone on to academic and industrial careers further highlights his contribution to education and scientific leadership. Prof. Mafra’s honors are not only in the form of grants but also through his roles in councils, academic boards, and as a leader of plasma research projects in Brazil. These distinctions underscore his standing as an accomplished researcher and educator in his field.

Publication Top Notes

  • The role of Argon in the AISI 420 Stainless-Steel Low-Temperature Plasma Nitriding — 2024

  • Cytocompatible and osteoconductive silicon oxycarbide glass scaffolds 3D printed by DLP: a potential material for bone tissue regeneration — 2023 — 3 citations

Conclusion

In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Márcio Mafra is an accomplished researcher, educator, and leader in the field of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, with a specialization in plasma-based technologies for surface engineering and advanced materials processing. His career reflects an impressive balance of academic excellence, international collaboration, and industrial application, positioning him as a global reference in plasma treatments and coatings. With a strong academic foundation, extensive professional experience, and impactful research, he has advanced the understanding of plasma-materials interactions while contributing to industrial innovation and engineering education in Brazil. His supervision of multiple graduate students ensures continuity in the development of plasma research, while his leadership roles in councils and committees illustrate his influence on academic governance. Recognized by national funding agencies and supported by international collaborations, Prof. Mafra’s research has consistently addressed real-world engineering challenges. As he continues to expand his work, his future potential lies in increasing global collaborations, enhancing visibility in top-tier journals, and contributing more actively to international scientific boards. Prof. Mafra’s achievements and leadership make him a highly deserving candidate for recognition, particularly for awards that honor innovation and excellence in scientific research.