Hongyun Zhang | Icephobic Materials | Best Researcher Award

Published on by MTE Awards

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.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID

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

Xulong Ren | Surface Treatment | Best Researcher Award

Published on by MTE Awards

Mr. Xulong Ren | Surface Treatment | Best Researcher Award

Guilin University of Electronic Technology | China

Mr. Xulong Ren is a developing metallurgical researcher whose work centers on high-energy beam surface treatment and microstructural modification of metallic materials, with particular emphasis on scanning electron beam polishing, in situ alloying, and beam-induced strengthening mechanisms. His research advances the understanding of temperature field behaviour, energy density optimization, and microstructural evolution during electron beam processing of alloys such as TC4, contributing to improved surface morphology, enhanced mechanical properties, and more precise control of material behaviour under high-energy input. He has produced a growing body of scientific work comprising 22 research documents, supported by 99 citations, and he maintains a Scopus h-index of 6, reflecting his emerging influence within the field. His publications document experimental and simulation-based approaches to optimize beam parameters, analyze rotational and radial thermal gradients, and investigate the microstructural responses of metals subjected to advanced surface treatment techniques. Through involvement in funded projects such as the Guangxi Natural Science Foundation and collaborations on national research initiatives, he has contributed to methodological improvements and innovative processing strategies for electron beam–assisted material modification. His work also includes analysis of beam–material interactions, ceramic–metal interface strengthening, and the design of polishing models for precision surface engineering. His contributions extend to research on nanostructured material polishing mechanisms and scanning beam fusion effects, reflecting a consistent focus on advancing industrially relevant metal surface engineering techniques. His expanding publication record, combined with ongoing research activity, positions him as a promising and impactful researcher in metallurgical process innovation.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Li, X., Yang, J., Ren, X., Song, J., Long, F., Qiu, M., Li, Y., & Su, Y. (2025). Temperature field simulation and experimental investigation for column-faced 45 steel via ultrafast electron beam scanning. Surface and Coatings Technology. (Cited: 4)

Li, X., Yang, J., Ren, X., Song, J., Long, F., Qiu, M., & Su, Y. (2025). Eutectic resolidification and ultrafast self-quenching of the microstructure in the surface layer of high-speed steel by scanning electron beam treatment. Vacuum. (Cited: 1)

Li, X., Yang, J., Ren, X., Song, J., Long, F., Qiu, M., Li, Y., & Su, Y. (2026). Analysis and experimental verification of the temperature field model for dynamic defocus electron beam processing of TC4 titanium alloy surfaces. International Journal of Thermal Sciences, 220(B).

Ren, X., Huang, X., Li, X., & Gao, S. (2025). Exploring the effect of beam current on the microstructure and properties of Vc/Ni alloying layer on 40Cr surface through electron beam surface alloying. Preprint.

Wei, D., Yang, F., Sui, X., Mo, Z., & Ren, X. (2024). Surface microstructure evolution and enhanced properties of Ti-6Al-4V using scanning electron beam. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer. (Cited: 1)

Mahmoud Afshari | Direct Metal Deposition | Best Researcher Award

Published on by MTE Awards

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