The Program

The Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering (PPGCEM) offers Master's and Doctoral courses, targeting professionals from various industrial sectors and service providers in the southern region of the state of Santa Catarina, as well as UNESC graduates and professionals trained at other higher education institutions.
The course offers scholarships for both the Master’s and Doctoral degrees, granted by public bodies such as CNPq, CAPES and FAPESC. To apply for a scholarship, either for the Master's or Doctoral Program, candidates must go through a selection process in March each year, which consists of a written assessment, interview and project presentation on dates published on the program's website. Applicants can enroll at any time via the continuous flow process, in which it is not required to undergo the assessment stages.
The regular duration of the Master's Program is 24 (twenty-four) months, and for the Doctoral Program, it is 48 (forty-eight) months.

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+ Mission

To train qualified Masters and Doctors in Materials Science and Engineering to work in internationalized research and teaching, promoting sustainability, innovation, and regional development.

+ Objective

The specific objectives are:

- to qualify professionals working in companies, enabling their continuous updating in the technological sector of southern Santa Catarina;
- to implement alternatives for solving existing technological problems related to material processing, contributing to economic growth and strengthening the region technology policies;
- to develop the ability to produce technically viable and environmentally correct solutions for the waste generated in the region, with a particular focus on waste valorization.

Graduates should be able to:
- qualify for teaching at the high school, technical, and higher education levels;
- be skilled in the synthesis, processing, application, characterization, and reuse of materials;
- develop the ability to innovate with a focus on sustainability in the development and application of materials.

Area of Concentration Tecnologia de Materiais

Professionals with master's and doctoral degrees in Materials Science and Engineering from the PPGCEM have worked in various industrial and academic sectors, contributing to technological progress and innovation, especially in the southern region of Santa Catarina. Graduates of the program have a solid background that enables them to work in technological innovation and the continuous improvement of materials used in products and industrial processes. Their contributions are essential to the development of more efficient and sustainable solutions, aligned with the emerging needs and challenges of society and industry.

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Research Lines

Discover our research lines

Waste

1. Waste
This line of research has the following general objectives:
- to identify new business opportunities and stimulate entrepreneurial practices associated with environmental issues, using waste valorization tools;
- to contribute to the implementation of measures that enhance the competitiveness of companies, typically through the use of quality and environmental systems, promoting sustainable development.

And its specific objectives are:
- the inertization of industrial waste by using it in the production of glass and glass-ceramic artifacts;
- the development of materials with properties suitable for use as inputs, replacing the use of natural raw materials for the chemical and materials industries, derived from waste;
- the improvement of processing techniques for polymers and composite materials containing waste in their composition;
- the evaluation of possible ecotoxicological and genotoxic effects of materials produced from waste;
- the development of recycled materials with properties suitable for use in civil construction.

Materials Development and Processing

This line of research has the following general objectives:
- to investigate new raw materials or identify alternative raw materials for industrial use;
- to develop new technologies and/or improve existing ones for material processing, aiming to enhance production performance;
- to investigate the most relevant factors in a given manufacturing process, correlating them with the final properties of the products, seeking the continuous development, optimization and improvement of the same.

The specific objectives of this line of research are:
- to investigate new compositions and processing methods that optimize final properties and reduce the use of raw materials and energy in the manufacture of products for use in civil construction (ceramic tiles, roof tiles, bricks and glazes, among others);
- the development of advanced ceramics with antimicrobial properties;
- the development of special glasses, glass-ceramics, and bioceramics for applications in dentistry, biotechnology, microelectronics, ballistics, wear-resistant coatings, among others;
- the synthesis and characterization of conductive, semiconductive, piezoelectric, and magnetic polymeric materials;
- the development of polymers with bactericidal and/or fungicidal properties for applications in sensors, biosensors, photovoltaic systems, and medical-hospital devices;
- the synthesis and characterization of polymeric membranes for use in fuel cells;
- the preparation of polymer matrix nanocomposites by incorporating metallic nanoparticles;
- the evaluation and optimization of composition and processing parameters in the production of polymeric and polymer matrix composite materials;
- the evaluation of possible genotoxic and/or cytotoxic damage caused by chemical agents involved in an industrial process.

Curriculum Structure

Check the details of each course you will study in this program

Check the details of each course you will study in this program

Here you will find information about credits, workload, and course syllabi.

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Academic Schedule

Academic Schedule

Schedule

Stay updated on the teaching activities planned for the course.

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Isolated Courses

Taking an isolated course can be a great opportunity for you to experience the environment of the PPGCEM and to interact with faculty and research groups. Enrollment in an isolated course does not guarantee admission to the program; however, even as a non-regular student, you will experience the classes and routine of the master's/doctoral program.

Please provide the following documents and contact the course coordination.

- Authenticated photocopy of the Bachelor's or Master's degree diploma, duly registered or validated, when obtained abroad, or Certificate of completion of the Bachelor's degree indicating the number of the Recognition Decree published in the Official Gazette;
- Authenticated photocopy of the Academic Transcript of the Bachelor's or Master's degree;
- Photocopy of the Identity Document and CPF; if the candidate is a foreigner, the documents required by specific legislation must be presented;
recent 3x4 cm photo;
- Photocopy of the Birth or Marriage Certificate;
- Enrollment form available at: https://www.unesc.net/portal/resources/files/298/disciplina_isolada__formulario_inscricao.pdf

Note: It is possible to take a maximum of 3 (three) courses in an isolated manner.

For more information, please contact us at: ppgcem@unesc.net or by phone at 48 3431-2775.

Faculty and Students

Faculty/Supervisors

See who the faculty and supervisors in our program are:

Adriano Michael Bernardin

Adriano Michael Bernardin

Waste; Materials Development and Processing

Graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Master's in Mechanical Engineering from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina.

Alexandre Gonçalves Dal-Bó

Alexandre Gonçalves Dal-Bó

Waste; Materials Development and Processing

Graduated in Chemistry from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Master's in Organic Chemistry from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina.

Eduardo Junca

Eduardo Junca

Waste; Materials Development and Processing

Graduated in Metallurgy and Materials Technology from Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo and in Production Engineering from Universidade Nove de Julho. Master's in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Universidade de São Paulo. Ph.D. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Universidade de São Paulo.

Elídio Angioletto

Elídio Angioletto

Waste; Materials Development and Processing

Graduated in Chemical Engineering from Universidade Federalde Santa Maria. Master's in Materials Science and Engineering from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina.

Fabiano Raupp-Pereira

Fabiano Raupp-Pereira

Waste; Materials Development and Processing

Graduated in Ceramics Technology from Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense. Master's in Materials Science and Engineering from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal.

Mateus de Assunção Hofmann

Mateus de Assunção Hofmann

Waste; Materials Development and Processing

Postdoctoral researcher (2024) at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL). PhD (2022) in Civil Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), University of Lisbon. Professor in the Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering (PPGCEM) at the University of the Extreme South of Santa Catarina (UNESC), where he also acts in the undergraduate programs in Civil Engineering, and Architecture and Urbanism.

Matheus Vinícius Gregory Zimmermann

Matheus Vinícius Gregory Zimmermann

Waste; Materials Development and Processing

Graduated in Polymer Technology from Universidade de Caxias do Sul. Master's in Process Engineering and Technologies from Universidade de Caxias do Sul. Ph.D. in Mining, Metallurgical, and Materials Engineering from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul.

Michael Peterson

Michael Peterson

Waste; Materials Development and Processing

Graduated in Chemical Engineering from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Master's in Materials Science and Engineering from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina.

Oscar Rubem Klegues Montedo

Oscar Rubem Klegues Montedo

Waste; Materials Development and Processing

Graduated in Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina. Master's in Chemical Engineering from Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina.

Sabrina Arcaro

Sabrina Arcaro

Waste; Materials Development and Processing

Graduated in Ceramics Technology from Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense. Master's in Materials Science and Engineering from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina.

Tiago Bender Wermuth

Tiago Bender Wermuth

Waste; Materials Development and Processing

Graduated in Environmental Engineering from Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul. Master's in Materials Science and Technology from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Ph.D. in Materials Science and Technology from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul.

Students

Meet the Master's and Doctoral students in our program

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Graduates

Discover the Master's and Doctoral graduates from our program

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Admission to the Program

Selection Process

The PPGCEM issues selection notices to form new Master's and Doctoral classes annually. The selection process for the Master's program includes of three stages: a knowledge exam in materials science and engineering and statistics, a curriculum analysis, and an interview. The selection process for the Doctoral program includes four stages: curriculum analysis, presentation of the research project and descriptive memorial, and an interview.

Scholarships

The PPGCEM offers scholarships through CAPES in two benefit modalities: school fees that waive tuition and full scholarships, in which the student is exempt from tuition and also receives a monthly amount. To apply for scholarships, keep an eye on the announcements.

Master's Degree

Selection Process: SELECTION PROCESS MAI/DAI

Announcement of the final result - October 23, 2026
Learn more about the deadlines, announcements, and documents required for this Selection Process.

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Selection Process: Master's in Materials Science and Engineering (Student)

Closed
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Selection Process: Foreign Students of the Graduate Programs 2

Closed
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Selection Process: Master's in Materials Science and Engineering (Student) - PROSUC

Closed
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Selection Process: Master's and Doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering (Student)

Closed
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Doctorate

Selection Process: SELECTION PROCESS MAI/DAI

Announcement of the final result - October 23, 2026
Learn more about the deadlines, announcements, and documents required for this Selection Process.

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Selection Process: DOCTORATE IN MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (STUDENT) - INTERNAL - PDSE/CAPES

Filing of a substantiated appeal against the preliminary result (by 11:59 PM) - September 30, 2025
Learn more about the deadlines, announcements, and documents required for this Selection Process.

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Selection Process: Doctoral Faculty PPGCEM

Closed
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Selection Process: Doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering (Student) FAPESC

Closed
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Selection Process: Doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering (Student) PROSUC

Closed
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Selection Process: FAPESC/PPGCEM

Closed
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Selection Process: Master's and Doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering (Student)

Closed
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Postdoctoral

Selection Process: POSTDOCTORAL

Closed
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Selection Process: FAPESC/POSTDOCTORAL

Closed
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Alumni Tracking

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Intellectual Production

The essence and purpose of the Graduate Program are grounded in the intellectual creation generated by the Program. Through the active participation of its faculty and students, the program contributes to disseminating and applying academic knowledge in society.

Health Care and Epidemiology Research Group (GPASEpi)
Center for Studies and Research in Occupational Health - NEPST
Research Group on Care Management, Integrality, and Health Education (GECIES)
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Dissertations

Access here and read the full Master's Thesis in Materials Science and Engineering.

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Theses

Access here and read the full Doctoral Thesis in Materials Science and Engineering.

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Impact on Society

The Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering – PPGCEM began its journey in 2011 and has since become a reference in the region for promoting knowledge to society. In the last 4 years, the program's researchers have published over 450 intellectual productions, reflecting its strong research and innovation capacity. These productions include scientific articles, book publications, development of new methods and technologies, and interdisciplinary projects that encompass various fields of knowledge.
Some of these contributions stand out for being published in high-impact journals recognized by the international scientific community. These publications not only expand the program's reach and visibility but also elevate the quality standard of the research conducted. The choice of high-impact journals reflects a commitment to academic excellence and the dissemination of knowledge that has the potential to transform practices in different sectors of society.
In addition to publications, the program strengthens its activities through collaborative projects with local companies, consolidating strategic partnerships that drive local economic and technological development. These projects allow for the practical application of research into real solutions, promoting innovation and process improvement across various industries. By engaging with the productive sector, the program not only stimulates regional development but also trains professionals prepared to face contemporary challenges with an innovative mindset. The research and technological development of PPGCEM are aligned with the needs and social challenges, both regarding the regional and national challenges in Santa Catarina.

Internationalization

The era of globalization has brought with it the need to integrate knowledge, practices, and cultures from around the world. In the context of higher education, internationalization emerges as a fundamental pillar, opening doors to an academic and professional training that transcends borders. The Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering at Unesc, recognizing the importance of this aspect, has been committed to establishing and strengthening ties with international higher education institutions.

By fostering this globalized environment, the PPGCEM not only contributes to the training of more qualified professionals who are aware of global dynamics in the field of Engineering but also reinforces its commitment to academic quality and innovation, promoting an education that transcends borders and prepares leaders capable of facing the challenges of an interconnected world.

Ranking
of Evaluations

Ranking
5 concept CAPES

Documents

Documentation

Find here all the documents you need

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Coordinator

Coordinator

Professora Sabrina Arcaro

Vice Coordinator

Vice Coordinator

Professor Dr. Oscar Rubem Klegues Montedo

Secretary

Secretary

Fernanda Ferrreira

For further questions

Contact our secretary

Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 12 PM and from 1 PM to 5 PM

(48) 3431-2775

ppgcem@unesc.net

Administrative Building, room 21 - Universitária Avenue, 1105 - Universitário Neighborhood - Postal Code 88806-000 - CRICIÚMA - SC.

News

what is happening inside PPG!

6th Ibero-American Congress at Unesc discusses the impacts of artificial intelligence

Events

6th Ibero-American Congress at Unesc discusses the impacts of artificial intelligence

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PPGCEM researcher returns from nine months of sandwich doctorate in Portugal and expands research on materials

General

PPGCEM researcher returns from nine months of sandwich doctorate in Portugal and expands research on materials

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Deputy Coordinator of PPGCEM conducts international mobility in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy

Internationalization

Deputy Coordinator of PPGCEM conducts international mobility in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy

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News

Research at Unesc