Jingwei Tian | Composites for Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr Jingwei Tian | Composites for Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Lecture ,  Harbin Institute of Technology , China

Dr. J Tian is a researcher and lecturer at the School of Civil Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, specializing in advanced composite materials. With a focus on corrosion resistance, wear performance, and environmental durability of materials, Tian’s work is integral to enhancing the lifespan of civil engineering infrastructure. Tian has authored multiple high-impact publications and contributed to several national research projects, particularly in carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP), epoxy composites, and self-healing materials. His research integrates fundamental materials science with practical applications for the construction and manufacturing industries. Tian’s leadership in cutting-edge research projects, coupled with his passion for advancing material performance under extreme conditions, has garnered him recognition within the scientific community. His work contributes to improving the durability and sustainability of structural materials exposed to marine, alkaline, and high-temperature environments.

Profile

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Academic and Research Experience:
    • The individual has a strong academic foundation, having completed both a Master’s and Doctoral degree at a top institution (Harbin Institute of Technology), under the guidance of renowned professors.
    • Their doctoral dissertation, focusing on the development and performance study of epoxy resin matrix composites with enhanced wear and corrosion resistance, indicates a deep understanding of advanced materials science.
  2. Leadership in Research Projects:
    • As a project leader for a funded research initiative (“Functional design and manipulating mechanism of damage self-healing of carbon fiber composites”), they show the ability to lead and manage significant research projects.
    • Participation in high-impact, government-funded projects, such as those from the National Natural Science Foundation and National Key Research and Development Program, is a testament to their ability to contribute to critical research in civil engineering and material science.
  3. Significant Contributions to Published Research:
    • The researcher has authored multiple influential publications, many of which have been cited numerous times, demonstrating their work’s broad recognition in the academic community.
    • Key papers on friction, wear, corrosion, and material aging in composite materials are contributing to advancing knowledge in these crucial areas.
    • Several of their papers, such as those on the “Reciprocating friction and wear performances of nanometer sized-TiO2 filled epoxy composites” and “Hydrothermal aging of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites,” address critical aspects of material durability, which is a focal point of modern civil engineering research.
  4. Diverse Research Focus:
    • Their research spans various essential topics, including wear behavior, corrosion resistance, self-healing materials, aging mechanisms of composite materials in marine environments, and hygrothermal aging, demonstrating a versatile and comprehensive approach to material science.
    • Their focus on environment-friendly and high-performance coatings, along with attention to the durability of composite materials under real-world environmental conditions (e.g., marine environments, alkaline solutions), is highly relevant in modern engineering contexts, especially for sustainability and long-term infrastructure performance.
  5. Collaborative Engagement and Funding Success:
    • Involvement in numerous large-scale research projects with substantial funding (totaling millions of RMB) indicates a high level of collaboration and trust within the scientific community.
    • Being involved in cutting-edge research on carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites and thermoplastic composites showcases their importance in advancing civil engineering materials.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Public Engagement and Dissemination:
    • While the researcher has an excellent track record in publishing in high-impact journals, further expansion into more applied platforms, industry collaborations, or public outreach initiatives could further amplify the societal impact of their research. This might include contributing to industrial standards or patenting innovative material solutions.
  2. Mentoring and Teaching:
    • Though the researcher has already taken on the role of lecturer and postdoctoral researcher, expanding their mentorship activities, particularly for undergraduate students or in interdisciplinary projects, could enhance their leadership profile. Increased involvement in guiding students or young researchers could foster the next generation of scholars in this field.
  3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
    • While the researcher is clearly a leader in civil engineering materials, there may be opportunities to extend their work through interdisciplinary research, particularly with environmental scientists, biologists, or chemists. Collaborating with professionals outside the civil engineering space could bring innovative solutions to materials science, particularly regarding environmental sustainability and climate adaptation.
  4. Commercialization of Research:
    • Further exploration of avenues to commercialize or patent their research findings—especially those related to self-healing composites and high-durability coatings—could transform academic contributions into practical, market-ready technologies.

Education 

Dr. J Tian completed his doctoral studies in Engineering Mechanics at the School of Civil Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, under the guidance of Prof. Guijun Xian, from 2019 to 2023. His dissertation focused on “Preparation and performance study of anti-wear and corrosion-resistant epoxy resin matrix composites.” Before that, he earned his Master’s degree in Structural Engineering from the same institution, where he worked under Prof. Jing Zhong. His master’s dissertation was titled “Preparation and corrosion resistance of graphene oxide composite coatings” (2017-2019). Tian’s strong academic background in materials science and structural engineering laid the foundation for his current work in improving the durability and functionality of composite materials, particularly in harsh environmental conditions. His studies also involved the innovative use of advanced materials, including nanocomposites, to address challenges faced in construction and civil engineering.

Experience 

Since January 2024, Dr. J Tian has been working as a lecturer and postdoctoral researcher at the School of Civil Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, under the mentorship of Prof. Huigang Xiao. His work involves both teaching and conducting high-level research on material durability, including the study of degradation and long-term service performance of composite materials used in construction. Prior to this, Tian contributed to several national research projects on composite materials, including the preparation, performance, and degradation of epoxy resin-based composites. He has participated in major national programs such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the National Key Research and Development Program of China. His focus areas include corrosion resistance, self-healing composites, and the evaluation of composite materials in marine and alkaline environments. Tian is also a leader in the research project on the self-healing mechanism of carbon fiber composites (2024–2026).

Research Focus 

Dr. J Tian’s research primarily focuses on developing advanced composite materials with enhanced durability and performance in extreme conditions. His key areas of expertise include corrosion resistance, wear performance, and the long-term service behavior of composite materials such as epoxy resins and carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP). Tian’s work on multi-filler reinforced epoxy composites and self-healing mechanisms aims to improve the longevity and resilience of materials used in construction, particularly in marine, alkaline, and high-temperature environments. His research also explores the impact of aging mechanisms, such as hydrothermal and hygrothermal aging, on the performance of thermoplastic and thermosetting composites. Tian’s projects, funded by national programs, seek to create sustainable and cost-effective solutions for the civil engineering industry, including the development of self-adhesive, superhydrophobic coatings and the evaluation of long-term properties of composite tendons. His interdisciplinary approach blends materials science with practical applications in infrastructure durability.

Publications 

  • Thin nacre-biomimetic coating with super-anticorrosion performance 🛡️🧪 (2018)
  • Reciprocating friction and wear performances of nanometer sized-TiO2 filled epoxy composites 🏗️🛠️ (2021)
  • Friction behaviors and wear mechanisms of multi-filler reinforced epoxy composites under dry and wet conditions ⚙️💧 (2023)
  • Mussel-inspired fabrication of an environment-friendly and self-adhesive superhydrophobic polydopamine coating 🦪🌱 (2023)
  • A layered superhydrophobic coating with excellent mechanical robustness and anti-corrosion performances 🌧️💪 (2022)
  • Mechanical, bonding and tribological performances of epoxy-based nanocomposite coatings with multiple fillers 🧰💡 (2022)
  • Long-term properties evolution and life prediction of glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic bending bars exposed in concrete alkaline environment 🔧🏝️ (2024)
  • Hydrothermal ageing of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites applied for construction: A review 🌊🧑‍🔬 (2023)
  • Comparative study of durability behaviors of thermoplastic polypropylene and thermosetting epoxy 🔬🌡️ (2022)
  • Hygrothermal aging behavior and mechanism of multi-filler reinforced epoxy composites for steel structure coatings 🏗️💨 (2023)
  • Wrinkles with changing orientation and complexity in a single piece of thin film 🧑‍🔬🎥 (2019)
  • Durability of glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic polypropylene composite bars under seawater and sea sand concrete environment 🌊🏝️ (2024)
  • Mechanical properties evaluation of glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite plate under combined bending loading and water immersion 💧🔨 (2024)
  • Hydrothermal aging of carbon fiber reinforced polymer rods intended for cable applications in civil engineering ⚡🌫️ (2023)
  • Design, preparation, and mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic self-anchor plate cable exposed in alkaline solution environment 🔧🌍 (2024)
  • Effect of hygrothermal aging on the friction behavior and wear mechanism of the multi-filler reinforced epoxy composites for coated steel 🛠️🔥 (2024)
  • Water absorption and property evolution of epoxy resin under hygrothermal environment 💧🧪 (2024)
  • Effect of fiber surface treatment with silane coupling agents and carbon nanotubes on mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 6 composites 🧬⚙️ (2024)
  • Design of novel glass fiber reinforced polypropylene cable-anchor component and its long-term properties exposed in alkaline solution 💡🌊 (2024)
  • Hygrothermal aging behavior of C/GFRP hybrid rod with bundle-by-bundle dispersion 🧪🌱 (2024)

Conclusion

This individual is a highly accomplished and promising researcher, with a strong body of work in advanced material design, durability studies, and composite material innovations. Their work on composite coatings, self-healing materials, and corrosion resistance is especially important given the growing demand for more durable, sustainable infrastructure materials. They have shown leadership in managing substantial research projects and have demonstrated the ability to collaborate effectively with national and international research networks.Given their impressive list of published works, their involvement in high-profile national research programs, and their ability to secure significant research funding, they are undoubtedly a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Their work not only contributes to the advancement of material science but also has the potential for significant real-world impact in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure longevity.To maximize their potential and impact, I would encourage further development in mentoring, public outreach, and expanding interdisciplinary research collaborations. Nevertheless, their achievements thus far place them in an excellent position for this recognition.