Zheng Liu | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Applied Scientist

Dr. Zheng Liu | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Taihang Laboratory | China

Dr. Zheng Liu is an accomplished materials scientist and engineer whose expertise spans polymer chemistry, physics, and advanced composite materials for aerospace applications. As an associate researcher at the Lightweight Structure and Materials Manufacturing Research Center, jointly affiliated with Taihang Laboratory and Northwestern Polytechnical University, he has made significant contributions to the development, optimization, and mechanistic understanding of polymer- and ceramic-based composite materials. His research focuses on structural/functional integrated composites, wave-transparent and wave-absorbing composites, ceramic matrix composites, and thermal conductive composites, with applications in aviation flight vehicles and power systems. Dr. Liu’s work has led to notable advancements implemented in pre-research aircraft and propulsion systems. He has authored over 20 high-impact journal publications, including multiple ESI Hot Papers and Highly Cited Papers, and holds 10 national invention patents. His scholarly influence is further reflected in his authorship of a monograph with Springer Nature, contributions to Wiley and Intech publications, and service as a guest editor and peer reviewer for prestigious journals. Recognized as a national-level young talent and recipient of multiple awards, Dr. Liu combines academic excellence with industrial application, bridging fundamental materials research with real-world engineering solutions.

Professional Profile

Scopus | ORCID

Education

Dr. Zheng Liu’s academic foundation reflects a continuous and focused progression toward expertise in advanced composite materials and their engineering applications. He began his undergraduate studies at Nanchang Hangkong University, earning a bachelor’s degree in materials science with a strong emphasis on polymer chemistry and structural materials. Building on this, he pursued a master’s degree at Northwestern Polytechnical University, where he deepened his research into polymer-based composites and interface modification strategies, gaining hands-on experience with laboratory synthesis and performance testing. His master’s research provided the groundwork for his doctoral studies, also at Northwestern Polytechnical University, where he conducted extensive research on structural/functional integrated composites, particularly focusing on wave-transparent and thermal-conductive materials for aerospace applications. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Liu actively engaged in national and provincial research projects, honing his skills in both experimental techniques and theoretical modeling. His education not only equipped him with solid scientific knowledge but also cultivated his ability to translate complex material designs into practical engineering applications. This strong academic progression laid the foundation for his current role as a leading engineer and researcher in high-performance composite materials for advanced aerospace systems.

Professional Experience

Dr. Zheng Liu currently serves as an engineer at the Taihang Laboratory, working closely with the Lightweight Structure and Materials Manufacturing Research Center in collaboration with Northwestern Polytechnical University. In this role, he applies his deep expertise in polymer and ceramic matrix composites to develop advanced structural and functional materials for aerospace applications. His work focuses on optimizing composite architectures, improving interface bonding, and enhancing performance parameters such as thermal conductivity, dielectric properties, and wave transparency. Dr. Liu plays a critical role in integrating research innovations into practical engineering solutions, particularly for aviation flight vehicles and power systems. His contributions have been successfully implemented in pre-research aircraft projects, demonstrating both technological and industrial impact. In addition to his engineering responsibilities, Dr. Liu serves as an industry mentor for engineering master’s degree students, guiding the next generation of researchers. He has also been actively involved in national and provincial-level research initiatives, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on high-profile projects supported by organizations such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China. His dual role as a researcher and engineer ensures that his work maintains a balance between cutting-edge science and functional application.

Research Interest

Dr. Zheng Liu’s research interests lie at the intersection of polymer science, composite engineering, and aerospace material innovation. He specializes in the design, fabrication, and performance optimization of polymer-based and ceramic-based composites for high-performance structural and functional applications. His work encompasses structural/functional integrated composites, wave-transparent composites, wave-absorbing materials, and thermal conductive composites, all tailored for demanding operational environments. A key focus of his research is the modification of composite interfaces, aimed at improving mechanical strength, thermal stability, and electromagnetic properties. Dr. Liu is particularly interested in uncovering the intrinsic mechanisms governing composite material behaviors, enabling precise optimization for aerospace and defense systems. He integrates experimental studies with theoretical modeling to establish structure–property relationships, ensuring material designs meet both functional and structural demands. Additionally, he explores novel fabrication and processing methods, such as polymer modification and hybrid reinforcement strategies, to achieve multi-functional integration. His research aligns with national priorities in aerospace innovation, with outcomes directly applied to aviation flight vehicles and propulsion systems. Ultimately, Dr. Liu aims to advance next-generation lightweight, high-strength, and multi-functional composite materials that push the boundaries of aerospace engineering and materials science.

Research Skills

Dr. Zheng Liu possesses a broad and specialized skill set that supports his work in advanced composite materials research and development. His materials synthesis and processing expertise includes polymer modification, ceramic matrix fabrication, fiber surface functionalization, and hybrid composite assembly. He is proficient in interface engineering techniques, employing advanced compatibilizers, polymer grafting, and surface coatings to enhance composite bonding and performance. Dr. Liu is skilled in materials characterization methods such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. His mechanical property evaluation capabilities include tensile, flexural, impact, and interlaminar shear testing, as well as thermal and dielectric property assessments. He has significant experience in wave-transparency and electromagnetic testing, critical for aerospace applications. Beyond experimental skills, Dr. Liu is adept in scientific writing and publishing, having authored numerous high-impact papers and book chapters. He is also experienced in project leadership, managing interdisciplinary teams and overseeing multiple national and provincial research initiatives. His combination of hands-on laboratory expertise, analytical skills, and engineering insight enables him to translate cutting-edge research into practical, industry-ready composite materials solutions.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Zheng Liu has been widely recognized for his scientific excellence, innovation, and impactful contributions to advanced composite materials research. He has been selected for national-level and provincial-level talent programs, including the China Association for Science and Technology Young Talent Support Program, underscoring his status as an emerging leader in materials science. His achievements have earned multiple prestigious honors, such as the Wiley China High Contribution Author Award, the COS Award in Materials Science for Best Researcher, the First Prize in the Cross-Strait Youth Composite Materials Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, and the Excellent Paper Award from the Chinese Society of Composite Materials. Dr. Liu’s research impact is reflected in his role as first or corresponding author on over 20 high-impact journal publications, including multiple ESI Hot Papers and Highly Cited Papers, with several exceeding 100 citations. His intellectual property portfolio includes 10 national invention patents, and his academic influence extends through his authorship of a Springer Nature monograph, a co-authored Wiley monograph, and multiple book chapters. These awards and honors highlight his dedication to advancing aerospace material technologies and his contributions to bridging academic research with engineering applications.

Publications Top Notes

Title: A review on optimal preparation of multi-component fillers and fibers with excellent wideband microwave absorbing performance through the electromagnetic loss engineering
Year: 2025

Title: Optimal Preparation and Inherent Mechanism of Advanced Integrated Structural/Electromagnetic Wave-Absorbing Polymer-Based Composites for Aeronautical Applications: A Review
Year: 2025

Title: Interfacial strengthening and processing of carbon fibers reinforced poly(ether-ether-ketone) composites: A mini-review
Year: 2024

Title: A mini-review of ultra-low dielectric constant intrinsic epoxy resins: Mechanism, preparation and application
Year: 2024

Title: Block copolymer functionalized quartz fibers/cyanate ester wave-transparent laminated composites
Year: 2023

Conclusion

Dr. Zheng Liu represents a new generation of materials scientists whose work bridges fundamental research and practical engineering in aerospace composite materials. With a solid academic foundation, extensive research experience, and a proven track record of translating innovations into industrial applications, he exemplifies the integration of science and technology. His contributions to polymer-based and ceramic-based composite optimization have already been implemented in pre-research aircraft and propulsion systems, showcasing the real-world value of his research. As a national-level young talent and award-winning author, Dr. Liu continues to influence the field through his publications, patents, and editorial work. His mentorship of graduate students and active participation in collaborative research projects further extend his impact within the scientific community. Driven by a commitment to advancing lightweight, high-strength, and multi-functional materials, Dr. Liu is poised to contribute significantly to the future of aerospace engineering and high-performance composites. His career reflects both academic rigor and industrial relevance, making him a leading figure in the evolving landscape of advanced materials science.

Liu Xiaoda | Material Genetic Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Applied Scientist

Mr. Liu Xiaoda | Material Genetic Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Taiyuan University of Technology, China

Dr. Liu Xiaoda is an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor at the School of Artificial Intelligence, Taiyuan University of Technology (TYUT). Born in February 1982 in Houma, Shanxi Province, he has devoted his academic career to advancing research in material gene engineering and machine learning. With a strong foundation in Materials Physics and Chemistry, Dr. Liu has developed a robust interdisciplinary profile blending materials science with artificial intelligence. A member of the Jiusan Society and a Han ethnic group representative, he actively contributes to both scientific and civic communities. Over the years, he has earned a reputation for excellence in teaching, mentorship, and research. He is also an active member of prominent provincial-level research centers, including the Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Data Governance and Intelligent Decision-Making and the Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Metal Materials and Corrosion Control. A member of the China Computer Federation (CCF), Dr. Liu plays a critical role in the convergence of computer science and materials engineering. With his multifaceted expertise and forward-looking vision, Dr. Liu is committed to pushing the boundaries of intelligent materials design and digital transformation in materials research.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Liu Xiaoda received his doctoral degree from Taiyuan University of Technology, where he majored in Materials Physics and Chemistry. This rigorous academic training equipped him with comprehensive knowledge in the fields of materials science, computational modeling, and experimental analysis. During his Ph.D. journey, Dr. Liu focused on exploring novel methods to optimize material structures using data-driven approaches, laying the foundation for his later work in materials informatics. His academic background provided him not only with deep theoretical insights into materials behavior at the micro and nanoscale but also with practical skills in handling complex datasets, laboratory instrumentation, and simulation software. Dr. Liu’s multidisciplinary education fostered his passion for integrating artificial intelligence techniques with materials science—a relatively novel and promising frontier. The strong academic environment at Taiyuan University of Technology, known for its emphasis on research and innovation, nurtured Dr. Liu’s scholarly abilities and prepared him to tackle complex scientific challenges. Throughout his academic life, he has remained committed to lifelong learning, regularly attending workshops and technical training to stay updated on emerging trends in machine learning, computational chemistry, and big data analytics.

Professional Experience

Dr. Liu Xiaoda has accumulated extensive professional experience through his academic appointments at Taiyuan University of Technology. From 2019 to 2021, he served as a Lecturer at the School of Big Data, where he began developing interdisciplinary research on materials data science. His dedication and innovative approach led to his promotion to Associate Professor in 2022 at the School of Computer Science and Technology (formerly also the School of Big Data). In 2024, Dr. Liu transitioned to the School of Artificial Intelligence, continuing his role as an Associate Professor and broadening the impact of his research in machine learning-driven materials engineering. As a Master’s Supervisor, he has mentored numerous graduate students, guiding them through advanced topics in smart materials, data mining, and artificial intelligence applications in physical sciences. His academic responsibilities also include curriculum development, research supervision, and collaborative project leadership. Dr. Liu’s multidisciplinary insight enables him to lead initiatives that bridge traditional materials science with cutting-edge computational techniques. His commitment to academic excellence is further evidenced by his leadership roles in key research projects funded by the Shanxi Provincial Government and industrial collaborations, as well as by his involvement in multiple key laboratories and professional societies.

Research Interest

Dr. Liu Xiaoda’s research interests lie at the intersection of materials science and artificial intelligence. His primary focus is on materials gene engineering and machine learning applications in materials discovery. Through this integrated approach, Dr. Liu seeks to revolutionize how new materials are designed, optimized, and deployed. He is particularly interested in using data-driven algorithms to predict material properties and accelerate the development of functional materials for industrial and technological use. Another key area of his research is intelligent sensing, where he investigates the use of smart sensors and embedded systems for real-time material diagnostics. Additionally, Dr. Liu explores materials big data, employing high-throughput experimentation and data governance frameworks to manage, analyze, and visualize large-scale datasets effectively. His work contributes to both fundamental science and industrial applications, addressing pressing issues in materials innovation, corrosion control, and intelligent manufacturing. With a multidisciplinary lens, he collaborates across fields to enhance the reliability, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of next-generation materials. His future research aims to further integrate deep learning, digital twins, and autonomous experimentation to build intelligent platforms for materials development and application.

Research Skills

Dr. Liu Xiaoda possesses a comprehensive and versatile research skill set that enables him to lead innovative and impactful projects across disciplines. He is proficient in machine learning, particularly in applying algorithms such as random forests, neural networks, and support vector machines to predict and optimize material properties. His expertise in materials informatics allows him to manage and analyze large datasets for materials design using high-throughput simulations and computational modeling. He is also skilled in statistical analysis, data visualization, and programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, and R, which he uses to develop custom algorithms for scientific research. On the experimental side, Dr. Liu has hands-on experience with various characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, and electrochemical testing, which are essential for validating computational predictions. Furthermore, he has developed skills in multidisciplinary project management, coordinating teams across research institutions and industries. His deep understanding of data governance, combined with practical skills in AI-driven decision-making, equips him to work at the forefront of intelligent materials research. His ability to bridge computational and experimental workflows is a hallmark of his research methodology, facilitating impactful outcomes in both academic and practical applications.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Liu Xiaoda has been recognized for his significant contributions to scientific research and academic leadership. He has successfully led eight major research projects, including the Shanxi International Collaboration Program, Shanxi Key R&D Plan, and foundational research initiatives. One of his achievements includes a technology transfer project based on a patented invention, demonstrating his ability to translate academic research into real-world applications. He has published over 30 scholarly articles, including 20+ SCI-indexed papers, of which four are in top-tier journals, affirming the high impact of his work. Dr. Liu holds one authorized invention patent, and his innovations have been instrumental in advancing the fields of materials data science and intelligent design. He is an active member of the China Computer Federation (CCF) and a core member of two Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratories, further emphasizing his influence in the scientific community. His growing reputation as a thought leader and his success in competitive research funding reflect his dedication to academic excellence and innovation. These accolades highlight both his intellectual depth and his practical influence on interdisciplinary research in materials and artificial intelligence.

Conclusion

Dr. Liu Xiaoda exemplifies the qualities of a modern interdisciplinary scientist, seamlessly integrating materials science with artificial intelligence to solve complex technological challenges. As an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor at the School of Artificial Intelligence, Taiyuan University of Technology, he has demonstrated leadership in education, research, and scientific collaboration. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge is evident in his prolific research output, influential patents, and successful management of high-level research projects. Dr. Liu’s work addresses key global priorities, including smart manufacturing, sustainable materials, and AI-driven innovation. Through his active involvement in academic societies and provincial laboratories, he continues to shape the future of intelligent materials research in China and beyond. His dynamic career trajectory and strong academic foundation make him a valuable asset to the scientific community. Looking ahead, Dr. Liu aims to deepen interdisciplinary collaborations, mentor the next generation of researchers, and further explore the synergy between data science and materials engineering. His professional journey is a testament to the power of combining traditional scientific rigor with modern computational intelligence.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Tailoring precipitation strengthening in Low-Alloy High-Strength Steel: The synergistic role of Ni, V, and Ti
Authors: Xiao-da Liu, Yu-shan Shi, Xi-wen Yue, Hua-yun Du, Li-feng Hou, Qian Wang, Huan Wei, Wen-feng Wang, Ying-hui Wei
Year: 2025

Title: Regulating the localized corrosion of grain boundary and galvanic corrosion by adding the electronegative element in magnesium alloy
Authors: Xiao-da Liu, Qixin Yan, Lifeng Hou, Junli Sun, Donghu Li, Jianlei Song, Qian Wang, Yinghui WeiYear: 2025
Citations: 2

Title: Grain gradient refinement and corrosion mechanisms in metals through severe plastic deformation: insights from Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment (SMAT)
Authors: Xiao-da LiuYear: 2025
Citations: 1