Touha Nazrun | Composite Materials | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Fiber-Reinforced Polymer

Mrs. Touha Nazrun | Composite Materials | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Touha Nazrun | Western Sydney University | Australia

Mrs. Touha Nazrun is an emerging researcher in fire safety engineering whose work demonstrates strong scientific promise, technical depth, and consistent research productivity. Her role as a Casual Research Assistant at Western Sydney University involves conducting experimental studies on the application of developed intumescent coatings on aluminium sheets, ACP cladding panels, gypsum boards, and concrete materials, with a focus on enhancing fire resistance and evaluating material performance under high-temperature conditions. She has authored several peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals, including contributions to Sustainability, Progress in Organic Coatings, and Fire, covering topics such as sustainable biopolymer-based cladding materials, fire performance improvements of aluminium composite panels, and comprehensive reviews of intumescent coating formulations and manufacturing methods. Her conference paper on the fire behaviour of aluminium sheets coated with intumescent materials earned a Best Paper Award, underscoring the originality and impact of her research. She maintains an active research pipeline with submitted and ready-to-submit manuscripts addressing material characterization, polymer–mineral filler compositions, and the use of recycled silicon dioxide in coating systems. Her scientific contributions extend to practical fire safety advancements, sustainable material development, and performance evaluation of protective coatings, reflecting her commitment to solving real-world engineering challenges. Beyond research, she has participated in technical conferences, volunteered in professional events related to fire safety engineering, and engaged in community and organizational activities, demonstrating a strong service orientation alongside academic excellence. Her growing body of work positions her as a promising researcher contributing valuable knowledge to the fields of fire protection materials, sustainable cladding technologies, and applied fire safety engineering.

Profile:  Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

Nazrun, T., Hassan, M. K., Hossain, M. D., Ahmed, B., Hasnat, M. R., & Saha, S. (2024). Application of biopolymers as sustainable cladding materials: A review. Sustainability, 16(1), 27.

Nazrun, T., Hassan, M. K., Hasnat, M. R., Hossain, M. D., Ahmed, B., & Saha, S. (2025). A comprehensive review on intumescent coatings: Formulation, manufacturing methods, research development, and issues. Fire, 8(4), 155.

Nazrun, T., Hassan, M. K., Hasnat, M. R., Hossain, M. D., & Saha, S. (2025). Improving fire performance of solid aluminium and composite cladding panels incorporating intumescent coatings. Progress in Organic Coatings, 201, 109142.

Nazrun, T., Hassan, M. K., Hasnat, M. R., Hossain, M. D., & Saha, S. (2024). Comparative study on fire behaviour of solid aluminium sheets coated with intumescent materials. Proceedings of the International Conference on Fire Safety Engineering Research and Practice.

Sun Yufeng | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Fiber-Reinforced Polymer

Assoc. Prof. Dr Sun Yufeng | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Sun Yufeng | Shandong Agricultural University | China

Dr. Yufeng Sun is an Associate Professor and Master Supervisor at the College of Food Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University. She holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering from the same university and a bachelor’s degree in Food Quality and Safety from Qilu University of Technology. As a key member of the Food Safety and Quality Control Team, Dr. Sun focuses on developing advanced nanomaterial-based electrochemical sensors for the rapid and precise detection of chemical hazards in food and agricultural products. Her research expertise includes signal amplification strategies, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). She has led several major national and provincial research projects, including those supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Shandong Provincial Key R&D Program. Dr. Sun has published 12 SCI-indexed papers in top-tier journals such as Food Chemistry and Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, and she is a co-inventor on five authorized Chinese national patents related to electrochemical sensing technologies. Her academic excellence has been recognized through multiple prestigious awards, including the Shandong Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award (Second Class, 2025), the Huaihai Science and Technology Award (First Class, 2024), and the Shandong Provincial Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award (2022). Dr. Sun continues to advance the field of food safety testing through her innovative research in nanomaterial design and sensor technology.

Profile:  Scopus  

Featured Publications

Rapid polymerization of molecularly imprinted hydrogels with self-adhesion, conductivity and specificity triggered by tannic acid–silver nanoparticles for electrochemical detection of methyl parathion in foods. (2025). Food Chemistry.

 

 

Yunlei Wang | Composites | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Fiber-Reinforced Polymer

Dr. Yunlei Wang | Composites | Best Researcher Award

Assistant professor at Chongqing university of arts and sciences, China

Dr. Yunlei Wang is an accomplished assistant professor and researcher at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences. With a strong passion for advanced materials and composite technology, he has made significant contributions to aluminum alloys and aluminum matrix composites. His academic journey and scientific endeavors reflect a blend of innovation, practical application, and international collaboration. Dr. Wang’s work is recognized not only for its theoretical depth but also for its industrial relevance, particularly in areas such as lightweight structural materials, high-entropy alloys, and surface treatment technologies.

🎓 Education

Dr. Wang received his Ph.D. in 2016 from Chongqing University, where he laid the foundation for his expertise in materials science and engineering. His doctoral research focused on the design and development of metal matrix composites, equipping him with strong theoretical and experimental capabilities. His education empowered him to engage in multidisciplinary work that bridges advanced materials processing, mechanical performance enhancement, and real-world applications.

🧪 Experience

In January 2017, shortly after completing his Ph.D., Dr. Wang began his tenure as an assistant professor at Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences. From November 2020 to January 2023, he furthered his research experience through a postdoctoral fellowship at the Chongqing Academy of Materials. Additionally, he was selected for the Postdoctoral International Training and Exchange Program, which enabled him to conduct collaborative research at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Sweden from August 2023 to December 2024. These experiences have allowed him to participate in high-level research environments, collaborate internationally, and apply innovative techniques to materials development and characterization.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Wang’s core research interests include aluminum and Al-matrix composites, high-entropy alloys (HEAs), ceramics, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and laser-induced high-speed particle impact. He is particularly focused on understanding the relationship between microstructure and mechanical performance in composites. His work has explored the optimization of processing parameters, the introduction of new reinforcement phases, and the improvement of properties such as wear resistance and fatigue strength. This multidisciplinary approach has positioned him as a key contributor to both academic research and industrial material innovation.

🏆 Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Wang has led and participated in various significant research projects, including “Innovative Development and Application Research of Aluminum Matrix Composite Brake Discs” (No. WLHX–2020–0048) and a consultancy project titled “Research on Defect Analysis of Oxide Films and Controllable Preparation Technology Based on Metal Surface Treatment” (No. WLHX–2021–0075). His work has been widely recognized through funding, patents, and publications. Furthermore, his global postdoctoral assignment at KTH, supported by a national-level training program, underlines his growing international reputation. He is now being considered for the prestigious Best Researcher Award under the International Research Awards on Fiber Reinforced Polymer.

📚 Publications

Dr. Wang has authored over 30 SCI-indexed journal publications and holds 20 patents, reflecting the practical and scientific value of his research. Below are seven key publications that highlight the depth and impact of his work:

  1. Wang, Y., et al. (2023) – Influence of Laser-induced Particle Impact on Al-Matrix Composite Properties, Materials Science & Engineering A — Cited by 15 articles.

  2. Wang, Y., et al. (2022) – Microstructure Evolution in High-Entropy Alloys Under Rapid Solidification, Journal of Alloys and Compounds — Cited by 23 articles.

  3. Wang, Y., et al. (2021) – 3D Printing of Ceramic-reinforced Metal Matrix Structures, Additive Manufacturing — Cited by 30 articles.

  4. Wang, Y., et al. (2020) – Wear Resistance Enhancement of Al-Matrix Composites via Novel Reinforcement Phases, Surface & Coatings Technology — Cited by 18 articles.

  5. Wang, Y., et al. (2019) – Thermo-mechanical Behavior of Aluminum-Based Composites with Nanoparticles, Materials & Design — Cited by 20 articles.

  6. Wang, Y., et al. (2018) – Optimization of Processing Parameters for Composite Brake Discs, Journal of Materials Processing Technology — Cited by 16 articles.

  7. Wang, Y., et al. (2017) – Effect of Heat Treatment on Al-SiC Composites, Materials Chemistry and Physics — Cited by 12 articles.

✅ Conclusion

Taking into account Dr. Yunlei Wang’s:

  • Solid academic background and international research experience,
  • Advanced specialization in materials science with practical industrial relevance,
  • Impressive portfolio of SCI-indexed publications and patents,
  • Active involvement in high-impact research projects,

he clearly demonstrates the excellence, innovation, and global engagement that the Best Researcher Award seeks to honor. His contributions not only advance scientific understanding but also address real-world challenges through applied research.

Florence Acha | Fiber Reinforcement in Composites | Innovative Research Award

Published on by Fiber-Reinforced Polymer

Ms. Florence Acha | Fiber Reinforcement in Composites | Innovative Research Award

Research Assistant at University of Massachusetts Lowell, United States

Florence Nkemamaka Acha is a dedicated researcher and academic in the field of polymer engineering. She specializes in polymer science, nanotechnology, coatings, and biomaterials. With a strong background in both industry and academia, she has contributed significantly to the advancement of superhydrophobic and oil-repellent coatings. Her career encompasses research, teaching, and industrial experience, positioning her as an emerging expert in material science applications.

profile

orcid

Education

Florence is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Plastics Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, focusing on the development of PFAS-free coatings for textile applications. She previously earned an M.Eng. in Plastics Engineering with honors and a B.Eng. in Polymer and Textile Engineering, graduating with first-class honors from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria. Her academic journey has been marked by excellence, reflected in her high academic standing and various awards.

Experience

Florence has served as a Research Assistant at both the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, and Igwe Isaac Laboratory in Nigeria, where she contributed to research on polymer composites and coatings. She also worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, guiding students in laboratory experiments and academic learning. Additionally, her industrial experience includes roles as a Production Intern and Business Development Officer, where she gained hands-on expertise in polymer processing, plastic manufacturing, and industrial coatings.

Research Interests

Her research focuses on polymer engineering, nanomanufacturing, composites, coatings, and biomaterials. She is particularly interested in developing sustainable and high-performance materials for textile applications, contributing to advancements in material science and environmental sustainability.

Awards

Florence has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Best Researcher Award for Superhydrophobic Coatings (2025), the Best Graduating Student Award in Polymer and Textile Engineering (2019), and the IBE MIT Alumni Award. She has also been recognized for her leadership and academic excellence through various scholarships and honors.

Publications

Acha, F. et al. (2025). An Approach of Manufacturing High-Molecular-Weight CNT-Filled Epoxy Composite. Materials. Cited in [number] articles.

Scheff, T. et al. (2025). Tuning Wetting Properties Through Surface Geometry in the Cassie-Baxter State. Biomimetics. Cited in [number] articles.

Scheff, T. et al. (2025). Design and Synthesis of Fe3O4 -Loaded Polymer Microspheres with Controlled Morphology. Polymers Journal. Cited in [number] articles.

Igwe, I. O. & Acha, F. (2021). Utilization of Granite Quarry Dust Extender in Formulating Anti-Corrosive Paints for Steel Protection. Australian Journal of Science and Technology. Cited in [number] articles.

Acha, F. (2024). Cleaning of Paints. In The Science and Technology of Paints. Book Chapter. Cited in [number] articles.

Igwe, I. O., Acha, F., et al. (2020). Formulation of Anti-Corrosive Alkyd Paints Based on Umuahia Clay Extender. SSRG International Journal of Polymer and Textile Engineering. Cited in [number] articles.

Fesojaye, I. S., Dada, F., & Acha, F. (2023). Innovative Applications of Nanomaterials in Semiconductor Manufacturing. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews. Cited in [number] articles.

Conclusion

Florence Nkemamaka Acha is an outstanding candidate for the Research for Innovative Research Award. Her contributions to polymer engineering, her innovative research on environmentally friendly coatings, and her leadership in academic and professional circles make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious recognition.