Dr Mehdi Chougan

I am a Research Associate in 3D Concrete Printing, specialising in the additive manufacturing of low-carbon cementitious materials. I am a former Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellow at Brunel University London and I completed my PhD in Graphene-engineered Cementitious Composites at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” in Italy in 2019.

Following my PhD, I worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate on the High-Performance Compressed Straw Board (HPCSB): A New Generation of Building Materials project, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) at Brunel University London. Additionally, I have served as a Senior Research Scientist at Reaforma Ltd, a startup focused on decarbonising the cement industry and advancing waste valorisation.

My research interests span several key areas. My primary focus is on the design and optimisation of 3D-printable low-carbon cementitious materials, including geopolymers and limestone calcined clay cements (LC3s), with the aim of enhancing the sustainability and productivity of the construction industry.

My work explores the incorporation of various additives, such as graphene-based materials, nano-clay, and fibres, with a particular emphasis on rheology modification and performance optimisation. I also work on graphene-engineered cementitious composites for smart structural applications, bio-based composites - such as lightweight compressed strawboard (CSB) - as sustainable alternatives for insulation panels in construction, and low-carbon concrete production through cement and natural aggregate replacement strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.

Through my research, I am committed to advancing sustainable construction practices and developing innovative materials to support the decarbonisation of the built environment.