Thi Dinh Ta | Materials Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Thi Dinh Ta | Materials Engineering | Best Researcher Award

University of Wollongong | Australia

Dr. Thi Dinh Ta is a Part-time Lecturer and Research Scientist specializing in Tribology, Lubrication Engineering, and Computational Mechanics at the University of Wollongong (UOW), Australia. With over 12 years of combined industry and academic experience, he has made significant contributions to advanced lubricant development, sustainable manufacturing, and nanotechnology applications in mechanical systems. His interdisciplinary research bridges molecular dynamics simulations, experimental tribology, and industrial problem-solving, earning recognition through ARC grants, international collaborations, and high-impact publications.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Outstanding Research Contributions

    • High-Impact Publications: 30+ peer-reviewed papers in Q1/Q2 journals (e.g., Tribology International, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces), with 500+ citations and an h-index of ~12.

    • Interdisciplinary Innovation: Pioneering work in nanolubrication, tribochemistry, and sustainable manufacturing, bridging molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with industrial applications (e.g., ARC-funded projects on eco-friendly lubricants).

    • Key Findings: Demonstrated the role of iron oxides in tribofilm formation (2022) and designed adaptive lubricants for hot rolling (2020), directly impacting energy-efficient manufacturing.

  2. Leadership in Competitive Grants

    • Secured $760K+ in research funding as CI/PI, including:

      • ARC Discovery Project DP240102945 ($631K, 2024–2026) on green lubricants.

      • NSFC Grant (RMB 580K, 2021–2023) as Principal Investigator.

    • Collaborated globally (Denmark, China) via CAS President’s Fellowship (2021).

  3. Academic & Industrial Impact

    • Teaching & Mentorship: Lectured advanced courses (Finite Element Methods, CFD) and supervised 4 PhD completions.

    • Industry Relevance: Developed solutions for Zn-air batteries (DTU) and offshore gas platforms (PetroVietnam).

  4. Recognition & Outreach

    • Invited talks at Leeds-Lyon Symposium and World Tribology Congress.

    • Awards: 1st Class Honors (2011), PhD Scholarship (2012).

Education 🎓📖

  • PhD in Mechanical Engineering (2012–2017)

    • University of Wollongong (UOW), Australia

    • Thesis: “Tribological Behavior of Thin-Film Lubricants in Metal Forming Processes”

  • Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Aeronautical Engineering (2006–2011)

    • Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Vietnam

    • Graduated with 1st Class Honors

Professional Experience 💼🔧

Academic & Research Roles

  • Part-time Lecturer (2024–Present)

    • University of Wollongong (UOW), Australia

    • Courses: Mechanics of Solids (ENGG251), Manufacturing Engineering Principles (MECH382)

  • Research Fellow (2022–2024)

    • Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Copenhagen

    • Focus: Electrolyte design for Zn-air batteries, sustainable energy materials

  • Associate Research Fellow (2016–2022)

    • University of Wollongong (UOW), Australia

    • Key Projects: ARC Discovery & Linkage grants on adaptive lubricants, pipeline coatings

Industry Experience

  • Technical Engineer (2011–2012)

    • PetroVietnam Technical Services (PTSC M&C)

    • Role: Mechanical design for offshore gas platforms (Su Tu Trang Field Project)

Research Interests On Materials Engineering 🔍

  1. Advanced Lubrication Science

    • Nano-tribology, boundary lubrication, high-temperature tribofilms.

  2. Computational Tribochemistry

    • Ab initio and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of lubricant-surface interactions.

  3. Sustainable Manufacturing

    • Eco-friendly lubricants for cold/hot rolling (e.g., ARC DP240102945).

  4. Energy Materials

    • Electrolytes for batteries (Zn-air), corrosion-resistant coatings.

Awards & Honors 🏆🎖️

  • CAS President’s International Fellowship (2021, China)

  • PhD Scholarship (2012–2016, UOW)

  • 1st Rank in Aeronautical Engineering (2011, Vietnam)

Publications 📚

  • Evolution of microstructure, temperature and stress in a high speed steel work roll during hot rolling: Experiment and modelling
    Authors: GY Deng, Q Zhu, K Tieu, HT Zhu, M Reid, AA Saleh, LH Su, TD Ta, …
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 78

  • Adsorption of Normal-Alkanes on Fe(110), FeO(110), and Fe2O3(0001): Influence of Iron Oxide Surfaces
    Authors: TD Ta, AK Tieu, H Zhu, B Kosasih
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 66

  • A study of abrasive wear on high speed steel surface in hot rolling by Discrete Element Method
    Authors: HT Phan, AK Tieu, H Zhu, B Kosasih, Q Zhu, A Grima, TD Ta
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 60

  • Theoretical and experimental investigation of thermal and oxidation behaviours of a high speed steel work roll during hot rolling
    Authors: GY Deng, HT Zhu, AK Tieu, LH Su, M Reid, L Zhang, PT Wei, X Zhao, …
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 49

  • Tribological behavior of aqueous copolymer lubricant in mixed lubrication regime
    Authors: TD Ta, AK Tieu, H Zhu, Q Zhu, PB Kosasih, J Zhang, G Deng
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 46

  • Chemical origin of sodium phosphate interactions on iron and iron oxide surfaces by first principle calculations
    Authors: HTT Ta, AK Tieu, H Zhu, H Yu, TD Ta, S Wan, NV Tran, HM Le
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 41

  • GPS-based wireless ad hoc network for marine monitoring, search and rescue (MSnR)
    Authors: TD Ta, TD Tran, DD Do, HV Nguyen, YV Vu, NX Tran
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 29

  • First-principles study of the adsorption and depolymerization mechanisms of sodium silicate on iron surfaces at high temperature
    Authors: NV Tran, AK Tieu, H Zhu, HTT Ta, TD Ta, HM Le
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 26

  • Effect of adding soft Bi2O3 on structural modification and tribological regulation of Ni-5 wt% Al composite coating in wide temperatures range
    Authors: H Sun, G Yi, S Wan, P Shi, J Yang, ST Pham, AK Tieu, TD Ta
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 25

  • Computational tribochemistry: A review from classical and quantum mechanics studies
    Authors: HTT Ta, NV Tran, AK Tieu, H Zhu, H Yu, TD Ta
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 24

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Thi Dinh Ta is a versatile researcher and educator whose work spans fundamental tribology, industrial applications, and sustainable technology development. His expertise in computational modeling, lubricant design, and energy materials positions him as a key contributor to next-generation manufacturing solutions. With a strong record of grants, publications, and mentorship, he continues to drive innovation in mechanical engineering.

Zhixiong Cai | Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhixiong Cai | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Minnan Normal University | China

Zhixiong Cai is an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor at the College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Environmental Science at Minnan Normal University, located in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, China. With expertise in luminescent materials and electrocatalysis, he has gained a reputation for his impactful research and academic contributions. His work primarily focuses on advancing materials science, particularly in the context of energy conversion and storage.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

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Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Solid Educational Background: He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Xiamen University and has participated in a joint training program, which suggests a deep academic foundation.

  • Research Expertise: His research interests in luminescent materials and electrocatalysis are highly relevant and cutting-edge in chemistry and environmental science.

  • International Exposure: Zhixiong Cai was a visiting scholar at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), providing him with global exposure and collaborative opportunities.

  • Impressive Publication Record: He has published several high-impact papers, including in prestigious journals like Angewandte Chemie and Nano Energy, demonstrating his contribution to significant advancements in his field.

  • Awards and Recognition: Receiving the Youth May Fourth Medal and other competition honors reflects his excellence and recognition from academic and professional communities.

Education:

Dr. Cai earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Xiamen University in June 2018, having completed his Master’s in Chemistry through a joint program between Fuzhou University and Xiamen University in 2014. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Fuzhou University. During his career, he spent time as a Visiting Scholar at the University of California, Riverside in 2017, further expanding his research horizons and collaborations internationally.

Experience:

Dr. Cai’s academic career began in September 2018 as a Lecturer at Minnan Normal University. By July 2019, he was promoted to Associate Professor at the same institution. His research interests have led him to participate in various national and international projects, contributing to the development of advanced chemical materials and applications.

Research Interests On Materials

Dr. Cai’s research primarily focuses on luminescent materials and electrocatalysis. His work aims to enhance energy conversion efficiencies and develop sustainable materials for a variety of applications, including renewable energy technologies. He is particularly interested in the development of high-performance catalysts and materials for environmental and energy-related solutions.

Publications:

  • Porous cobalt oxide nanoplates enriched with oxygen vacancies for oxygen evolution reaction

    • Authors: W Xu, F Lyu, Y Bai, A Gao, J Feng, Z Cai, Y Yin

    • Year: 2018

    • Cited by: 504

  • Advances in enzyme-free electrochemical sensors for hydrogen peroxide, glucose, and uric acid

    • Authors: X Chen, G Wu, Z Cai, M Oyama, X Chen

    • Year: 2014

    • Cited by: 414

  • AuPd bimetallic nanoparticles decorated on graphene nanosheets: their green synthesis, growth mechanism and high catalytic ability in 4-nitrophenol reduction

    • Authors: X Chen, Z Cai, X Chen, M Oyama

    • Year: 2014

    • Cited by: 207

  • An ultrasensitive and reversible fluorescence sensor of humidity using perovskite CH₃NH₃PbBr₃

    • Authors: W Xu, F Li, Z Cai, Y Wang, F Luo, X Chen

    • Year: 2016

    • Cited by: 174

  • Green synthesis of graphene–PtPd alloy nanoparticles with high electrocatalytic performance for ethanol oxidation

    • Authors: X Chen, Z Cai, X Chen, M Oyama

    • Year: 2014

    • Cited by: 151

  • Ultrafine palladium nanoparticles grown on graphene nanosheets for enhanced electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide

    • Authors: X Chen, Z Cai, Z Huang, M Oyama, Y Jiang, X Chen

    • Year: 2013

    • Cited by: 130

  • A sensitive bisphenol A voltammetric sensor relying on AuPd nanoparticles/graphene composites modified glassy carbon electrode

    • Authors: B Su, H Shao, N Li, X Chen, Z Cai, X Chen

    • Year: 2017

    • Cited by: 120

  • PtPd nanodendrites supported on graphene nanosheets: a peroxidase-like catalyst for colorimetric detection of H₂O₂

    • Authors: X Chen, B Su, Z Cai, X Chen, M Oyama

    • Year: 2014

    • Cited by: 108

  • Electrodeposition‐Assisted Synthesis of Ni₂P Nanosheets on 3D Graphene/Ni Foam Electrode and Its Performance for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Production

    • Authors: Z Cai, X Song, Y Wang, X Chen

    • Year: 2015

    • Cited by: 88

  • Synthesis of bimetallic PtPd nanocubes on graphene with N, N-dimethylformamide and their direct use for methanol electrocatalytic oxidation

    • Authors: X Chen, Z Cai, X Chen, M Oyama

    • Year: 2014

    • Cited by: 85

Conclusion:

Dr. Zhixiong Cai is an accomplished researcher and educator, with a deep commitment to advancing the fields of luminescent materials and electrocatalysis. His academic achievements, robust publication record, and numerous accolades underscore his dedication to driving forward scientific discovery and innovation. As an active member of the academic community, his work continues to have a significant impact on material sciences and energy applications.