Ma Lishi | Materials Science | Young Scientist Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ma Lishi | Materials Science | Young Scientist Award

Kunming University of Science and Technology, China

Lishi Ma is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology. He specializes in the development and structural optimization of aluminum matrix composites reinforced with two-dimensional materials like boron nitride nanosheets. With a solid academic background and hands-on research experience, he focuses on tailoring microstructures and interfaces to enhance mechanical and thermal properties of advanced materials. Ma has authored multiple high-impact journal articles in Composites Part B, Journal of Materials Science & Technology, and Acta Materialia, contributing significantly to the understanding of interface-driven strengthening mechanisms. He actively participates in national research programs such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China. His work integrates theoretical analysis with experimental design to address material challenges in high-temperature applications. As a rising scholar in the field of materials science, he is committed to advancing composite technology for practical and industrial use.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Lishi Ma earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science from Tianjin University (2018–2023), where his research focused on microstructural engineering of reinforced aluminum composites. He completed his Master’s degree in Materials Engineering at Kunming University of Science and Technology (2015–2018), where he developed fundamental expertise in composite material fabrication and performance assessment. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Chemistry from Tangshan Normal University (2011–2015), where he laid the groundwork in chemistry and material synthesis. Throughout his educational path, Dr. Ma has cultivated strong competencies in nanomaterials synthesis, interface characterization, and advanced mechanical testing. His interdisciplinary training across chemistry, engineering, and materials science has equipped him with a comprehensive skill set to address complex challenges in composite development and application. The sequential depth and breadth of his education underpin his current academic role and research pursuits in thermally stable and mechanically robust nanocomposite systems.

🧪 Experience

Since August 2023, Dr. Lishi Ma has served as a Lecturer at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology. His responsibilities include conducting independent research, supervising student projects, and teaching core materials science courses. Previously, during his doctoral studies at Tianjin University, he participated in extensive research on aluminum matrix composites reinforced with 2D boron nitride nanosheets, collaborating with leading scientists in the field. He has been actively involved in multiple high-profile research projects, including a major NSFC-funded study. Dr. Ma has developed strong expertise in composite synthesis, microstructural characterization, and mechanical performance testing. His collaborative work has led to several impactful publications in international journals. As a lecturer, he brings both research excellence and pedagogical commitment, fostering the next generation of material scientists while contributing meaningfully to the field of structural composite materials for high-performance and high-temperature applications.

🏅 Awards & Honors

Dr. Lishi Ma has earned recognition for his contributions to materials science through several impactful research publications and participation in competitive national research grants. Notably, he is a key participant in an NSFC-funded project titled “Macro–micro structural regulation and reinforcement mechanism of heat-resistant aluminum matrix composites enhanced by 2D BN nanosheets,” granted 580,000 CNY and active from 2021 to 2024. His co-authored papers have been published in Q1 journals like Acta Materialia and Journal of Materials Science & Technology, highlighting his scholarly excellence. Though individual awards are not specified, his consistent authorship in top-tier publications and involvement in major funded research programs reflect his growing reputation in the field. His academic progression—from a strong undergraduate foundation to an impactful research and teaching role—further showcases his commitment and achievements in the domain of materials science, especially in interface engineering and the mechanical enhancement of nanostructured composites.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Lishi Ma’s research focuses on the development of advanced aluminum matrix composites reinforced with two-dimensional nanomaterials, such as hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets. His work explores microstructural optimization and interfacial engineering strategies to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of metal matrix composites. He investigates coherent transition interface structures and intragranular reinforcement distributions to achieve a balance of strength and ductility, even under high-temperature conditions. His research integrates materials synthesis, structural design, and high-resolution characterization to decode deformation mechanisms and grain boundary behaviors. Recent studies include interface-dominated deformation in MAX-phase nanoflake-reinforced copper matrices and the development of architectured interfacial interlocking structures with graphene. His work is critical to applications demanding heat resistance, structural stability, and mechanical resilience. By combining experimental techniques with theoretical insight, Dr. Ma contributes significantly to composite material design and the broader field of functional nanostructured materials for extreme environments.

Conclusion

Dr. Lishi Ma exhibits a strong foundation for receiving the Young Scientist Award due to his rigorous academic training, publication in high-impact journals, and participation in national-level research. His work on 2D-reinforced metal matrix composites addresses critical challenges in structural materials and reflects both originality and technical depth. With continued focus on independent research development and expanded academic leadership, Dr. Ma is well-positioned to grow into a leading figure in advanced materials science. The award would not only recognize his achievements but also encourage further breakthroughs in his promising career.

Publication

  1. Title: Constructing the coherent transition interface structure for enhancing strength and ductility of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets/Al composites
    Year: 2023
    Authors: Lishi Ma, Xiang Zhang*, Yonghua Duan, Siyuan Guo, Dongdong Zhao, Chunnian He*, Naiqin Zhao
    Journal: Journal of Materials Science & Technology, Vol. 145, p. 235

  2. Title: Achieving the strength-ductility balance of boron nitride nanosheets/Al composite by designing the synergistic transition interface and intragranular reinforcement distribution
    Year: 2022
    Authors: Lishi Ma, Xiang Zhang*, Bowen Pu, Dongdong Zhao, Chunnian He*, Naiqin Zhao
    Journal: Composites Part B, Vol. 246, Article 110243

  3. Title: Achieving exceptional high-temperature resistant Al matrix composites via two-dimensional BN pinning grain rotation
    Year: 2023
    Authors: Lishi Ma, Xiang Zhang*, Yonghua Duan, Hanwen Zhang, Ning Ma, Lin Zhu, Xudong Rong, Dongdong Zhao, Chunnian He*, Naiqin Zhao
    Journal: Composites Part B, Vol. 253, Article 110570

  4. Title: Investigations on the interface-dominated deformation mechanisms of two-dimensional MAX-phase Ti₃Al(Cu)C₂ nanoflakes reinforced copper matrix composites
    Year: 2022
    Authors: Xiang Zhang, Dongdong Zhao, Rongrong Shi, Shaoqiang Zhu, Lishi Ma, Chunnian He*, Naiqin Zhao
    Journal: Acta Materialia, Vol. 240, Article 118363

  5. Title: Architectured interfacial interlocking structure for enhancing mechanical properties of Al matrix composites reinforced with graphene nanosheets
    Year: 2021
    Authors: Lizhuang Yang, Baozeng Zhou, Lishi Ma, Guang Liu, Suyi Qian, Zhihang Xu, Enzuo Liu, Xiang Zhang*, Chunnian He*, Naiqin Zhao
    Journal: Carbon, Vol. 183, p. 685

Xudong Rong | Metal Matrix Composites | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xudong Rong | Metal Matrix Composites | Best Researcher Award

 Tianjin University China

Xudong Rong (戎旭东), born on May 13, 1991, is a Chinese materials scientist currently serving as an Associate Professor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University. With a solid academic background and a strong research portfolio, Dr. Rong specializes in the fabrication and optimization of advanced metal matrix composites. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science from Tianjin University in 2021, following his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from Harbin Institute of Technology. His work emphasizes nano-scale ceramic phase reinforcement, interfacial structure design, and deformation modeling. A prolific researcher, Dr. Rong has authored multiple publications in high-impact journals such as Acta Materialia, Scripta Materialia, and Journal of Materials Science & Technology. His significant contributions have garnered recognition, including the prestigious “Best Research Award.” Dr. Rong remains committed to advancing high-performance composite materials for structural and functional applications in extreme environments.

Profile

Scopus

Scholar

🎓 Education

Xudong Rong began his academic journey at the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), where he completed both his B.E. in Materials Science and Engineering (2013) and M.A.Sc. in Materials Science (2016) under the supervision of Prof. Lujun Huang. During his Master’s, he focused on improving high-temperature oxidation resistance of titanium matrix composites through advanced plasma-sprayed coatings. He then pursued his Ph.D. in Materials Science at Tianjin University, graduating in June 2021 under the guidance of Prof. Naiqin Zhao. His doctoral research explored the in-situ fabrication of aluminum matrix composites using the Al-CuO thermite reaction. He investigated the effects of nano-scale Al₂O₃ reinforcement on microstructure, mechanical strength, and fracture mechanisms. Through systematic experimentation and in-depth characterization, his work contributed vital theoretical insights into composite processing and performance. His education reflects a strong focus on applied materials science, microstructural engineering, and the practical development of high-performance materials for structural use.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Xudong Rong has accumulated significant research and academic experience in materials science. After completing his Ph.D. in June 2021 at Tianjin University, he joined the same institution as a Research Assistant at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, where he worked until March 2024. In April 2024, he was promoted to the role of Associate Professor. Throughout his academic tenure, Dr. Rong has been deeply engaged in the development of nano-reinforced metal matrix composites, interfacial design, and structural performance modeling. His roles have involved leading experimental research, mentoring students, managing collaborative projects, and publishing cutting-edge findings. His hands-on expertise in in-situ reaction-based composite processing, thermomechanical characterization, and advanced sintering methods has positioned him as a rising expert in his field. His consistent academic progress and practical contributions highlight his commitment to scientific excellence and the translation of fundamental materials research into real-world applications.

🏅 Awards & Honors

Dr. Xudong Rong has been honored with the prestigious Best Research Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to materials science and engineering. This award acknowledges his innovative work in developing nano-ceramic reinforced aluminum matrix composites through in-situ thermite reactions, which has advanced the understanding of interface mechanics and deformation behavior in composite materials. His impactful research has been widely published in top-tier journals, reflecting his scientific rigor and commitment to excellence. Beyond this notable accolade, Dr. Rong’s career is marked by multiple first-author publications in Acta Materialia, Scripta Materialia, and Science China Materials. His research has received strong citations, underscoring its relevance and significance in the field. The award further cements his position as a leading young researcher dedicated to pushing the boundaries of materials design and application. His work continues to inspire the next generation of materials scientists through both academic mentorship and scientific leadership.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Xudong Rong’s research centers on the design, fabrication, and performance enhancement of nano-scale ceramic phase reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs). A key focus of his work is the in-situ synthesis of reinforcement phases—particularly Al₂O₃ and TiB whiskers—within aluminum or titanium alloy matrices to improve strength, toughness, and thermal stability. He systematically investigates interfacial structure and composition, aiming to optimize bonding and load transfer between matrix and reinforcement phases. His work also integrates modeling and simulation to predict and analyze deformation and damage behavior under mechanical loads. His current projects include strain delocalization, strengthening mechanisms in Al-CuO composites, and fatigue life assessments using machine learning techniques. Dr. Rong’s approach bridges experimental materials science and theoretical modeling, enabling the development of lightweight, high-performance composites for aerospace, automotive, and defense industries. His research continues to influence the broader field of advanced structural materials and functional composites.

 Conclusion

Dr. Xudong Rong is a highly promising and accomplished researcher with significant contributions to metal matrix composites and interface design. His technical rigor, publication quality, and evolving academic profile make him a strong contender for the Best Research Award. With expanded research leadership and global collaboration, he is well-positioned to become a thought leader in advanced materials science.

Publication

  1. Title: Nanocarbon architecture-dependent strengthening and deformation in Al matrix composites
    Year: 2024
    Authors: X. Chen, D. Zhao, X. Rong, J. Li, X. Zhang, C. He, C. Shi, E. Liu, J. Tao, N. Zhao

  2. Title: The role of Mg content in regulating microstructures and mechanical properties of Al–Mg–ZnO composites fabricated via in-situ reaction sintering
    Year: 2024
    Authors: S. Wang, X. Lin, X. Rong, X. Zhang, D. Zhao, C. He, N. Zhao

  3. Title: Nanocarbon architecture-intervened interface design of Cu matrix composites towards necking-delayed fracture and toughening
    Year: 2024
    Authors: W. Yang, X. Chen, Y. Wang, G. Liu, X. Rong, X. Zhang, J. Tao, C. Li, L. Liu, …

  4. Title: Contribution of robust transitional interface featuring Mg segregation to the strength-ductility synergy of boron nitride nanosheets/Al composite
    Year: 2024
    Authors: L. Zhu, L. Ma, D. Zhao, X. Rong, X. Zhang, C. Shi, C. He, N. Zhao

  5. Title: Plain interface strategy toward the high corrosion performance of Al matrix composites
    Year: 2023
    Authors: X. Rong, Y. Li, X. Chen, X. Zhang, D. Zhao, C. He, N. Zhao

  6. Title: Enhanced stress relaxation resistance and strength-electrical conductivity combination of graphene reinforced Cu-0.5 La composite wire for high temperature applications
    Year: 2025
    Authors: Y. Jiang, X. Zhang, C. Shi, E. Liu, D. Zhao, X. Rong, N. Zhao, C. He

  7. Title: Toughening effects through optimizing cell structure and deformation behaviors of Al–Mg foams
    Year: 2022
    Authors: H. Yu, X. Yang, W. Li, X. Rong, S. Guo, L. Ma, L. Yang, J. Sha, N. Zhao

  8. Title: Interfacial modification enhancing corrosion resistance of boron nitride nanosheets/Al matrix composites
    Year: 2025
    Authors: A. Yang, L. Ma, Y. Duan, X. Rong, Y. Zhang, L. Zhu, S. Zheng, M. Peng, M. Li

  9. Title: Breaking the strength-ductility trade-off for metal matrix composites: A review of the role of nanoscale reinforcement dimension on the deformation and strengthening mechanisms
    Year: 2025
    Authors: Y. Xia, X. Zhang, D. Zhao, X. Rong, C. He, N. Zhao

  10. Title: Simultaneous Enhancement of Strength and Ductility in AlCu Alloy via Trans-granular Graphene Nano-shells
    Year: 2025
    Authors: X. Bai, X. Zhang, D. Zhao, X. Rong, N. Zhao, C. He

  11. Title: Fatigue life assessment of carbon nanotubes reinforced Al‐Cu‐Mg composite foams via statistics analysis and computer vision
    Year: 2024
    Authors: S. Wang, Z. Yin, X. Rong, H. Song, X. Yang, N. Zhao