Roberto Figueiredo, a mechanical engineer by training, graduated from the Federal University of Minas Gerais. He furthered his education at the same institution, earning a master’s degree in metallurgical and mining engineering. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the University of Southern California, USA, where he obtained a PhD in mechanical engineering and completed one of his two post-doctoral fellowships. His second post-doc was completed at the University of Southampton, also in the USA. As a researcher, Roberto draws inspiration from interdisciplinary collaboration and the scientific research of his peers in various fields. Outside of his professional life, he finds joy in cooking for his wife and young son. Since 2011, he has been sharing his knowledge and experience as a lecturer at the Federal University of Minas Gerais.
Roberto Braga Figueiredo
Engineering
Projects
Magnesium, a material known for its high mechanical strength-to-density ratio, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, has certain limitations. Its overall mechanical strength and ductility are low, and it degrades rapidly. This project aims to address these issues by using high-pressure torsion to consolidate magnesium-based composites at room temperature. Recent findings indicate that this processing technique enhances magnesium’s mechanical strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance. Our ongoing development efforts include magnesium/aluminum composites, which offer high ductility and hardening capacity through heat treatment; magnesium/ceramic particle composites, designed to boost mechanical strength; and magnesium/hydroxyapatite composites, which could pave the way for the production of orthopedic implants with high corrosion resistance and drug release capacity.
