PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Aveiro University in the field of Nanostructured sol-gel coatings for corrosion protection, 2012
Chemical Engineer degree from the Instituto Superior Técnico of Technical University of Lisbon, 1992
Functions and Relevant Public Offices
Research Officer, since May 2012
Research Assistant, 2003/2012
Research Trainee, 1994/2003
Areas of Research / Interest
Durability of metallic materials used in construction and respective metallic and inorganic coatings in natural environments: atmosphere, water and soil
Corrosion and conservation of metallic cultural and architectural patrimony
Physico-chemical and microstructural characterization of metallic materials and inorganic coatings
Nanostructured hybrid sol-gel coatings for corrosion protection
Research and Professional Activity
Participation in scientific research projects at national and European level, indicating the two most recent:
DURATINET - Durable Transport Infrastructure in the Atlantic Area-Network (2008-2013)
EU-ARTECH – Access, Research and Technology for the conservation of the European Cultural Heritage (2004-2009)
Participation in research projects and contract studies in the field of study of the corrosion behaviour of metallic materials
Study of corrosion induced failure cases on several types of metallic building components
Scientific Orientation
Co-supervision of 2 MSc degree students experimental work, since 2011
Collaboration in the orientation of 4 Bachelor degree students final work, between 1996 and 2011
Relevant Publications
Selected publications:
I. Rute Fontinha, M. Manuela Salta, Mikhail L. Zheludkevich, Mário G.S. Ferreira, "EIS study of amine cured epoxy-silica-zirconia sol-gel coatings for corrosion protection of the aluminium alloy EN AW 6063” Portugaliae Electrochimica Acta 2013, 31(6), 307-319. DOI: 10.4152/pea.201306307
I. R. Fontinha, M. M. Salta, M. L. Zheludkevich, M.G.S Ferreira, R. B. Figueira, E. V. Pereira, C. R. J. Silva, "Influence of the pH on the corrosion protection of epoxy-silica-zirconia sol-gel coatings applied on EN AW-6063 aluminium alloy”, ECS Trans. 2014, 58(38), 9-16; DOI:10.1149/05838.0009ecst
I. Rute Fontinha, "Nanostructured sol-gel coatings for corrosion protection of aluminium alloy”, PhD Thesis, University of Aveiro, Portugal, 2012
S. Bittner, G. Farron, R. Fontinha, D. Job, E. Joseph, P. Letardi, M. Mach, R. Mazzeo, S. Prati, M. Salta, A. Simon, "Development and Evaluation of New Treatments for Outdoor Bronze Monuments”, In Conservation Science 2007, J. Twonsend, L. Toniolo, F. Cappitelli (Eds), Archetype Publications, London, 2008, 40-48.
I.R. Fontinha, M. M. Salta, "Componentes metálicos na Construção - Comportamento à corrosão e sua prevenção", Informação Técnica de Patologia e Reabilitação das Construções – ITPRC 3, LNEC, Lisboa, 2004
I. Rute Fontinha, M. Manuela Salta, "Corrosion and conservation of copper alloy statues” (in portuguese), Corros. Prot. Mater., Vol. 27, Nº 3, 2008, 87-94
I. Rute Fontinha, M. Manuela Salta, "Performance of metallic components in buildings” (in portuguese), Corros. Prot. Mater., Vol. 26, Nº 3, 2007, 86-93
Other scientific and technical Activities
Inspector of QUALANOD – Quality Label for Sulphuric Acid-Based Anodizing of Aluminium, 1996/1999, 2008/2010 and from 2012
Member of national standardization technical committees CT 43 – "Metallic corrosion and its prevention,” e CT 34 – "Non-ferrous alloys”, from 1993
Teaching in technical courses and seminars
Collaboration on the organization and participation in congresses, workshops and seminars