Prof. Hongyun Zhang | Icephobic Materials | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Kaili University | China

Dr. Hongyun Zhang is a materials and surface-engineering researcher whose work focuses on the thermodynamic and microstructural design of superhydrophobic and ice-phobic surfaces, generating a coherent body of scholarship that has earned 270 citations, 19 publications, and a Scopus h-index of 9. His studies analyse the physics underlying wetting behaviour on engineered metallic substrates, using thermodynamic modelling to map relationships between surface morphology, adhesion work, and stability of wetting states. A central contribution of his research is the development of pillar-based microstructural models that explain how hierarchical roughness controls free-energy barriers, contact-angle hysteresis, and transitions between Cassie–Baxter and Wenzel states. This modelling framework not only clarifies the energetics of water-repellent surfaces but also guides rational design of self-cleaning and drag-reducing coatings. Dr. Zhang extends these principles into ice-phobicity by computing icing delay times and evaluating how micro-scale geometry reduces ice adhesion and enhances surface robustness under sub-zero conditions. His work employs a blend of theoretical analysis, computational modelling, and applied surface engineering, providing quantitative design tools for improving performance of metal-based components in aviation, transportation, energy infrastructure, and environmental protection systems. Across his publications, he maintains a strong emphasis on linking microstructure manipulation with measurable functional outcomes, contributing both conceptual clarity and practical direction to the advancement of surface physics and metallurgical materials engineering. His cumulative output demonstrates consistent impact, a focused research niche, and a meaningful contribution to the development of advanced hydrophobic and anti-icing technologies.

Featured Publlications

Qin, Y., Zhang, H., Marlowe, N. M., & Chen, W. (2016). Evaluation of human papillomavirus detection by Abbott m2000 system on samples collected by FTA Elute Card in a Chinese HIV-1 positive population. Cited by 17

Zhang, H. (2025). Selection of second step micro-morphology for anti-icing surfaces based on icing time. Applied Surface Science. Cited by 4

Zhang, H., Yang, Y. L., Pan, J. F., & Zhang, X. K. (2018). Compare study between icephobicity and superhydrophobicity. Cited by 29

Zhang, H., Yang, Y. L., Pan, J. F., & Yang, J. (2018). Study for critical roughness based on interfacial energy. Cited by 8

Zhao, L., Wang, D., Zhang, H., & Zhi, H. (2016). Fine mapping of the RSC8 locus and expression analysis of candidate SMV resistance genes in soybean. Cited by 28

Dr. Mahmoud Afshari | Direct Metal Deposition | Best Researcher Award

Adjunct Professor at Ministry of Education of the Islamic Republic of Iran | Iran

Dr. Mahmoud Afshari’s research focuses on the integration of additive manufacturing, welding technologies, and composite materials design to advance high-precision fabrication methods in modern engineering. His body of work explores the mechanics, thermodynamics, and microstructural behavior of materials subjected to advanced manufacturing processes. Through the development of laser additive manufacturing models and friction stir welding simulations, Dr. Afshari has contributed to optimizing the thermal and mechanical performance of alloys such as Inconel 718, Ti-6Al-4V, and Al-Mg systems. His investigations have extended into polymer nanocomposites and fused filament fabrication (FFF), enhancing tensile modulus, hardness, and impact resistance through process-parameter optimization. His research outputs-comprising 30 Scopus-indexed publications with 168 citations and an h-index of 8-reflect rigorous experimentation combined with computational modeling. Notably, his recent articles in high-impact journals like Optics and Laser Technology, Journal of Molecular Structure, and Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics highlight his expertise in material characterization, heat-transfer simulation, and nanostructure control. Alongside his scholarly publications, Dr. Afshari’s patents on advanced thermal systems and automated machinery demonstrate his applied research orientation and industry relevance. His scientific productivity, innovation in simulation-based design, and multidomain mastery exemplify excellence in metallurgical and manufacturing research, marking him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Afshari, H., Taher, F., Alavi, S. A., Afshari, M., Samadi, M. R., & Allahyari, F. (2024). Studying the effects of FDM process parameters on the mechanical properties of parts produced from PLA using response surface methodology. Colloid and Polymer Science, 302(6), 955–970. Cited by: 26

Afshari, M., Bakhshi, S., Samadi, M. R., & Afshari, H. (2023). Optimizing the mechanical properties of TiO₂/PA12 nano-composites fabricated by SLS 3D printing. Polymer Engineering & Science, 63(1), 267–280. Cited by: 26

Afshari, M., Hamzekolaei, H. G., Mohammadi, N., Yazdanshenas, M., … (2023). Investigating the effect of laser cladding parameters on the microstructure, geometry and temperature changes of Inconel 718 superalloy using the numerical and experimental approaches. Materials Today Communications, 35, 106329. Cited by: 25

Taher, F., Afshari, M., Houmani, A., Samadi, M. R., Bakhshi, S., & Afshari, H. (2024). Simultaneous enhancement of the impact strength and tensile modulus of PP/EPDM/TiO₂ nanocomposite fabricated by fused filament fabrication. Colloid and Polymer Science, 302(3), 393–407. Cited by: 15

Hardani, H., Afshari, M., Samadi, M. R., Afshari, H., & López, S. A. (2025). An enhancement in the tensile modulus and bending resistance of polylactic acid/carbon nanotube composite by optimizing FFF process parameters. Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, 38(4), 1379–1403. Cited by: 13