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
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
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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 -
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 -
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, … -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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