Hao Xu | Intermetallics | Excellence in Research Award

Prof. Hao Xu | Intermetallics | Excellence in Research Award 

Prof. Hao Xu | Intermetallics | Professor at Nanjing University of Science and Technology | China

Intermetallics form the cornerstone of Prof. Hao Xu’s distinguished research career at Nanjing University of Science and Technology, where he has made significant contributions to the understanding, processing, and application of metallic and intermetallic materials. Prof. Hao Xu earned his B.S. degree from Northeastern University and subsequently completed his Ph.D. in Materials Processing Engineering at the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he focused on phase transformation mechanisms, hot working, and microstructural evolution of advanced materials. Over the years, Prof. Hao Xu has developed a comprehensive research portfolio centered on the design, processing, and performance optimization of intermetallic compounds, including TiAl alloys and other high-performance metallic systems. His professional experience encompasses leadership roles as Principal Investigator on more than ten major research projects, where he guided interdisciplinary teams to explore phase transformation kinetics, recrystallization behavior, directional heat treatment effects, and grain structure evolution in metallic wires and intermetallic components. Prof. Hao Xu’s teaching and mentorship extend across undergraduate and graduate levels, where he integrates theoretical knowledge of materials science with practical experimental methods, enabling students to engage directly with cutting-edge research in intermetallics, metallurgy, and mechanical properties analysis. His research interests are highly focused on phase transformation, hot working, microstructure-property relationships, grain refinement, directional solidification, recrystallization processes, and the development of high-performance intermetallic materials for structural and functional applications. Prof. Hao Xu possesses advanced research skills in metallography, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, computational modeling of microstructural evolution, and process optimization for intermetallic compounds. His prolific contributions include over ten peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as the Journal of Materials Science & Technology and Corrosion Science, as well as more than ten authorized invention patents that underscore his innovative approach to material processing and performance enhancement. Prof. Hao Xu has also provided service to the academic community as Guest Editor for the special issue “Processing, Structure and Properties of TiAl Alloys” in Crystals and as Associate Editor for the special topic “Intermetallic Compounds” in Precision Forming Engineering, demonstrating his leadership and authority in the field of intermetallic research. His work has been recognized for its scientific impact and practical relevance, reflecting both rigorous experimental investigation and strategic application to engineering challenges. Prof. Hao Xu’s ongoing dedication to research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the advancement of intermetallic materials continues to influence the field, inspire emerging researchers, and provide critical insights into the structure–property relationships and processing strategies essential for the next generation of metallic and intermetallic materials. Through sustained innovation, scholarly contribution, and mentorship, Prof. Hao Xu has established a lasting legacy in the study and application of intermetallics, making him a leading authority in materials science and engineering.

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Featured Publications

  1. Xu, H. (2025). Study on the Secondary Recrystallization Process and Influencing Factors of 4N Pure Copper Wires.
  2. Xu, H. (2025). Mechanism of Grain Structure Formation in Pure Copper Wire During Directional Heat Treatment.
  3. Xu, H. (2025). Study on Microstructure Evolution and Influencing Factors of Pure Copper Wire After Directional Heat Treatment.

 

Dora Zakarian | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dora Zakarian | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher at Institute for Problems in Materials Science, Ukraine

Dr. Dora Zakarian, a distinguished theorist in solid-state physics, has been contributing to material science since 1980 at the Institute for Problems in Materials Science (IPMS), Ukrainian National Academy of Science, Kyiv, Ukraine. With a doctorate in Physical and Mathematical Sciences, she is renowned for her innovative “a priori pseudopotential” method and groundbreaking studies on the mechanical properties of advanced materials.

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Education 🎓

Dr. Zakarian holds a Doctorate in Physical and Mathematical Sciences, specializing in solid-state physics. Her academic background is rooted in rigorous theoretical approaches, emphasizing quantum mechanics and material modeling.

Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Zakarian’s career spans over four decades at IPMS, where she has conducted theoretical studies of mechanical properties in diverse materials. She developed the “a priori pseudopotential” method, which has led to significant advancements in understanding materials like metals, carbides, borides, and eutectic composites. Her work has influenced fields such as nanotechnology and high-entropy alloys, resulting in dozens of foundational methodologies.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Zakarian’s research is centered on computational materials science, particularly:

  • Mechanical properties of composite materials under varying conditions.
  • Thermodynamic modeling of binary systems and eutectics.
  • Pioneering methods to account for size factors, anharmonic effects, and intercomponent interactions in composite materials.
  • Young’s modulus and other critical properties of advanced materials.

Awards and Recognitions 🏆

Dr. Zakarian has actively contributed to international research through:

  1. U.S. Navy Grant (2007-2009) – Simulation of ceramic composites in LaB₆-MeB₂ systems.
  2. U.S. Air Force Grant (2012-2014) – Modeling of boride ceramic composites.
  3. NATO Project Grant (2016-2023) – Development of shock-resistant boron-based ceramics, integrating production and testing.

Her groundbreaking contributions have been recognized globally, with applications in defense and aerospace industries.

Key Publications 📚

Dr. Zakarian has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles. Key works include:

Universal temperature dependence of Young’s modulus

  • Year: 2019
  • Citations: 42

Calculation of composition in LaB6–TiB2 and LaB6–ZrB2 eutectics by means of pseudopotential method

  • Year: 2011
  • Citations: 23

Pseudopotential method for calculating the eutectic temperature and concentration of the components of the B4C–TiB2, TiB2–SiC, and B4C–SiC systems

  • Year: 2009
  • Citations: 19

Ab-initio calculation of the coefficients of thermal expansion for MeB2 (Me–Ti, Zr) and LaB6 borides and LaB6–MeB2 eutectic composites

  • Year: 2012
  • Citations: 11

Quasi-harmonic approximation model in the theory of pseudopotentials

  • Year: 2016
  • Citations: 7

Расчет теоретической прочности алмазоподобных материалов, исходя из энергии взаимодействия атомных плоскостей

  • Year: 2006
  • Citations: 7

Mechanical characteristics of quasibinary eutectic composites with regard for the influence of an intercomponent interaction of the interface

  • Year: 2014
  • Citations: 5

Theoretical Strength of Borides and Quasibinary Boride Eutectics at High Temperatures

  • Year: 2015
  • Citations: 4

Наночастицы с алмазоподобной структурой и обратный закон Холла–Петча

  • Year: 2014
  • Citations: 3

Temperature dependence of the hardness of materials with a metallic, covalent-metallic bonds

  • Year: 2021
  • Citations: 2

For a complete list of publications, please refer to the accompanying document.

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Dora Zakarian’s contributions to theoretical solid-state physics and materials science are pivotal in advancing our understanding of composite materials. Her innovations in computational methods and models have reshaped the study of mechanical and thermodynamic properties of advanced materials, making her a prominent figure in her field