Prof. Shigeru Horii
Kyoto University of Advanced Science, Japan
Speech Title: Bi-axial
alignment of REBa2Cu3O7
superconductors in the oscillation type modulated
rotating magnetic field
Abstract: Epitaxial
growth is the typical and practical process for the
formation of triaxial aligned and densified
microstructures, which is used also for the
production of REBa2Cu3O7
(RE123) superconductor (SC) tapes. However, one of
the issues in the SC tape is its high material cost.
Recently, a modulated rotating magnetic field (MRF)
has been reported as the magnetic field in which the
triaxial/biaxial aligned microstructure can be
formed for grains with triaxial magnetic anisotropy.
In principle, this MRF technique is a
room-temperature process and is useful for
fabrication of not only triaxially aligned
polycrystals but also composites containing
triaxially aligned fillers. Moreover, there are
various types of MRF at the current stage, such as
intermittent rotation (IM) type [1], angular-speed
modulation type [2], linear-drive type [3] and so
on. In this work, our group focuses on the
oscillation (OS) type MRF [4]. Its advantages are
that the OS process includes both static field and
rotating field components, the two components are
determined by the oscillation angle (閼?
systematically, and the SC electromagnet with 10 T
is available. Our group investigated the biaxial
orientation degrees of Y123 and Er123 powder samples
aligned under the OS type MRF with controlling 閼?and
magnetic field strength.
[1] Horii et al., J.
Appl. Phys. 115 (2014) 113908. [2] Fukushima, Horii
et al., Appl. Phys. Exp. 1 (2008) 111701. [3] Horii
et al., J. Cer. Soc. Jpn. 126 (2018) 885. [4] Horii
et al., J. Cer. Soc. Jpn. 132 (2024) 675.
Biography: Shigeru Horii is currently a Professor and
a Department Head in the Faculty of Engineering at
the Kyoto University of Advanced Science (KUAS),
Kyoto, Japan. He obtained Dr. Eng. from the Nagoya
University, Nagoya, Japan, in 1999. He worked at the
Institute of Solid State Physics of the University
of Tokyo, Tokyo, as a post-doctoral fellow of JSPS
from 1999 until 2000. He joined the Department of
Superconductivity/Applied Chemistry of the
University of Tokyo as an Assistant Professor from
2000 until 2009, and then worked at the Kochi
University of Technology, Kochi, as an Associate
Professor from 2009 until 2013. He worked at the
Graduate School of Energy Science of the Kyoto
University, Kyoto, as an Associate Professor from
2013 until 2019. He joined the Faculty of
Engineering of KUAS at 2019 and is focusing on
triaxial magnetic alignment in layered functional
materials and designing of magnet arrays for the
generation of modulated rotating magnetic fields as
research topics.
Professor Jesús Toribio, University of Salamanca, Spain
ESIS Fellow (ESIS: European Structural Integrity Society)
ICF-WASI Director
(ICF-WASI: International Congress of Fracture-The World Academy of Structural
Integrity)
Chairman of the ESIS Technical Committee 10 (TC10) on
Environmentally Assisted Cracking (EAC) & Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE)
Head of
Fracture & Structural Integrity Research Group (FSIRG)
Title: Fatigue, Fracture and
Damage of Cold-Drawn Pearlitic Steel Wires: A
Tribute to Maurits Cornelis Escher and Johann
Sebastian Bach
Abstract: Prologue: Materials
behavior is influenced by the previous mechanical
history (load, stress or strain trajectory) and by
the external physicochemical environment, so that
the ideas proposed by the Dutch philosopher Baruch
de Spinoza about the hetero-determined nature of
human being are very adequate in this matter. In the
same sense, the Spanish philosopher José Ortega y
Gasset coined the very famous sentence “Yo soy yo y
mi circunstancia“ (translated into English as “I am
I and my circumstance”), the key-stone of his
philosophy of human life. On the basis of this, and
paraphrasing José Ortega y Gasset, the keynote
speaker established the innovative idea that “the
material is itself and its circumstance” emphasizing
the evolution of material’s performance throughout
the service life, due to the double and varying
influence of the previous mechanical load history
and the surrounding physico-chemical environment. In
this philosophical way of reasoning, it is clear
that a given material does not have a behavior per
se, but can exhibit one or another depending on the
circumstance (in the form of mechanical loading
history and also of physico-chemical environment),
demonstrating the important role of previous history
(the yesterday influences the today, and the latter
does the same on the tomorrow), recalling the words
of the Spanish major poet Antonio Machado “hoy es
siempre todavia”, and perhaps T. S. Elliot’s “and
all is always now”.
Main subject: This keynote
presentation deals with fatigue, fracture and wear
behavior of progressively cold-drawn pearlitic steel
wires on the basis of their microstructural
evolution during manufacturing by multistep cold
drawing producing wear in their surface. It is seen
that the manufacture technique by progressive cold
drawing (causing wear) in several steps produces a
microstructural evolution in the form of progressive
slenderizing and orientation (in the wire axis or
cold drawing direction) of the pearlitic colonies
(first microstructural level), as well as increasing
orientation and densification of the
ferrite/cementite lamellae (second microstructural
level) linked with a decrease of pearlite (ferrite/
cementite) interlamellar spacing. Thus the
microstructure of the colddrawn pearlitic steel
wires becomes progressively oriented as the
colddrawing (wear) degree increases and this
microstructural fact influences their macroscopic
behavior by inducing anisotropic fracture and crack
path deflection. Therefore, this paper offers a
micro- and macro-approach to the fatigue & fracture,
and thus structural integrity of cold-drawn
pearlitic steel wires, introducing the new concept
of microstructural integrity. In the matter of
fatigue, it is seen that the afore-said
microstructural orientation influences the fatigue
crack growth, with local roughness and
micro-deflections that produce a tortuous fatigue
crack path, the angle of micro-deflections depending
of the microstructural orientation angle. With
regard to fracture, failure analysis of notched
specimens of very different geometries (very
distinct degree of constraint) shows the necessity
of both microstructural orientation and triaxiality
level to obtain fracture path deflection, while in
cracked specimens anisotropic fracture takes places,
allowing the definition of a sort of directional
toughness in the material. All these phenomena are a
consequence of the microstructural orientation
generated in the material during manufacturing by
(wear) cold drawing.
Epilogue: Based on the
hierarchical microstructure of cold drawn pearlitic
steels (two levels of colonies and lamellae), a link
can be established with the multi-scale (multi-level
or multi-layer) structure of Maurits Cornelius
Escher’s painting and Johann Sebastian Bach’s music.
One excellent example is the Christmas Oratorio
composed by six Cantatas (macrostructure), each of
them with its own micro- structure (consisting of
contrasting sections of recitatives, arias and
choruses). Fig. 1 shows the portrait of Johann
Sebastian Bach and some early bars of the Fugue No 1
in C Major BWV 846 of The Well- Tempered Clavier
(Book I). The (macro-) structure of the fugue itself
contains (micro-) structure of thematic sections
(subject and counter-subject) and connecting
passages (episodes or divertimenti), i.e., it is a
hierarchical structure like that of cold drawn
pearlitic steel wires.
Biography: Professor
Jesús Toribio graduated in Civil Engineering in 1982
and then in Mathematics in 1986. In 1987 he was
awarded his PhD in the Polytechnic University of
Madrid (UPM) and turned into Associate Professor in
that Institution. In 1992 he became Full Professor
and Head of the Materials Science Department of the
University of La Coruña (at the age of 32, thus
being the youngest Full Professor in the area of
Materials Science in Spain). In 2000 he moved to the
University of Salamanca (USAL) where is currently
Full Professor of
Materials Science & Engineering and Head of the
Fracture & Structural Integrity Research
Group (FSIRG) of that Institution.
His
research work is mainly concerned with fatigue and
fracture mechanics, environmentally assisted
cracking, stress corrosion cracking and
hydrogen embrittlement/degradation/damage of metals
and alloys (mainly cold
drawn pearlitic steel wires for civil engineering
and austenitic stainless steels for nuclear
engineering and energy applications),
covering theoretical, computational and experimental
aspects. He actively
participates in International Scientific
Conferences, very often being a member of the
International Advisory
Committee, organising Special Sessions and Symposia,
being Session Chairman or specially
delivering Plenary/Keynote/Invited Lectures.
Professor Dr. Jesús Toribio has published more than
600 scientific papers,
most of them in international books and journals.
Prof. Dr. Osman Adiguzel
Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
Biography: Dr. Osman Adiguzel graduated from Department of Physics, Ankara University, Turkey in 1974 and received PhD- degree from Dicle University, Diyarbakir-Turkey. He studied at Surrey University, Guildford, UK, as a post doctoral research scientist in 1986-1987, and his studies focused on shape memory alloys. He worked as research assistant, 1975-80, at Dicle University and shifted to Firat University in 1980. He became professor in 1996, and he has been retired due to the age limit of 67, following academic life of 45 years.
He published over 80 papers in international and national journals; He joined over 120 conferences and symposia in international and national level as Plenary Speaker, Keynote Speaker, Invited speaker, speaker or Poster presenter. He served the program chair or conference chair/co-chair in some of these activities. In particular, he joined in last six years (2014 - 2019) over 60 conferences as Speaker, Keynote Speaker and Conference Co-Chair organized by different companies in different countries.
Additionally, he retired at the end of November 2019, and contributed with Keynote/Plenary Speeches over 180 Virtual/Webinar Conferences, in the coronavirus outbreak in four year of his retirement, 2020 and 2023.
Dr. Adiguzel served his directorate of Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Firat University in 1999-2004. He supervised 5 PhD- theses and 3 M. Sc theses. He is also technical committee member of many conferences. He received a certificate which is being awarded to him and his experimental group in recognition of significant contribution of 2 patterns to the Powder Diffraction File
Release 2000. The ICDD (International Centre for Diffraction Data) also appreciates cooperation of his group and interest in Powder Diffraction File.
Scientific fields of Dr. Adiguzel: Shape memory effect and displacive phase transformations in shape memory alloys and other alloys, molecular dynamics simulations, alloy modeling, electron microscopy, electron diffraction, x-ray diffraction and crystallography.
Prof. Ivana Salopek Cubric (President of
TC Ergonomics at the Croatian Standards Institute)
University of
Zagreb, Croatia
Speech Title: Material Durability
and Performance: Assessing Key Properties for
Enhanced Functionality
Abstract: Durability
and performance of materials are crucial for the
reliability and efficiency of products in various
industries. Key properties such as mechanical
strength, thermal stability, wear resistance, and
adaptability to the environment play a crucial role
in longevity and functional effectiveness. In the
field of functional apparel, properties such as
moisture wicking, breathability, stretchability, and
abrasion resistance determine effectiveness and
longevity, making material selection critical to
optimizing the wearer's performance. To gain a
comprehensive insight into the behavior of
materials, the influence of different polymer yarns
and their changes under combined ageing factors must
be investigated. While recycled polyester yarn has
advantages in terms of sustainability and higher
tensile strength, the results suggest that
conventional polyester yarn is more advantageous due
to its higher abrasion resistance, smoother surface
texture, and better elasticity retention after
ageing. Research on polymer aging also highlights
the impact of environmental influences on key
material properties such as topography, thickness,
moisture management, elongation and bursting
strength, showing that thickness increases,
elongation decreases and moisture absorption is
impaired in sun-exposed materials. However,
spectroscopic investigations (ATR-FTIR) indicate
that the chemical structure of the polyester has not
demonstrably changed. These findings emphasize the
need for product-centred ageing protocols and
innovative material design to ensure long-lasting,
high-performance solutions, especially in the
competitive sportswear industry.
Biography:
Full Professor at the University of Zagreb, Faculty
of Textile Technology, and President of TC
Ergonomics at the Croatian Standards Institute. She
holds two faculty degrees in textile engineering and
journalism, along with a PhD in technical sciences.
With a prolific academic career, she has authored
over 250 publications in journals, books, and
conference proceedings and has served as editor for
six international scientific conference proceedings.
She has led and collaborated on numerous national
and EU-funded projects and actively reviews
international competitive projects for various
funding agencies. Recognized for her contributions
to research and education, she has received multiple
awards for scientific and teaching excellence. Her
leadership roles include serving as President of the
Croatian Ergonomics Society, Head of the
Extraordinary Graduate Studies, Head of the
Department of Textile Design and Management, and
Chair of Public Relations. Additionally, she is a
member of the editorial board of eight scientific
journals.
Prof. Ahmad Zuhairi Abdullah
Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus, Malaysia
Speech Title: Role of pore geometry of Ca1+xAl1-xLaxO3 composite catalyst supported on MCM-41 in selective glycerol etherification to lower molecular weight polyglycerols as potential oxygenated fuel additives
Abstract: Glycerol is abundantly produced by biodiesel as well as other downstream oleochemical industries and its industrial uses are rather limited to the extent that it is regarded as a waste to be managed. Polyglycerols have high potential to be used as an oxygenated additives in fuel in which they are compounds that contain oxygen to be blended with fuels to improve combustion efficiency and reduce emissions. Especially diglycerol and triglycerol, they are potential products towards making fuels greener and also of industrial importance in many other applications. However, selective production of through catalytic means often subject to a few drawbacks. A novel heterogeneous catalyst was prepared by means of a co-precipitation method and its activity in selective glycerol etherification was demonstrated. Lanthanum (La):calcium (Ca) ratio, temperature, and the duration of calcination positively influenced the conversion of glycerol. A regression model was established to predict the effect of calcination conditions and La:Ca ratio on glycerol conversion. After 8 h of reaction, a conversion of 81.6 % was achieved under atmospheric pressure at 250 闁硅櫣鐓? 3.5 wt. % of catalyst and with a La to Ca ratio of 1:2.7. The catalyst was subjected to a thermal treatment at 560 闁硅櫣鐓?for 4.5 h. The catalyst characterization revealed well-mixed oxides with desirable properties such as sufficient porosity and surface area. It also showed that the formation of the O闂佺偨鍎插鐬愰梺鐐藉劜瑜?functional group sitting on the surface of the catalyst facilitated high glycerol conversion. The synthesized catalyst with excellent porosity and stability area was promising for glycerol etherification.
Biography: Professor Dr. Ahmad Zuhairi Abdullah is a distinguished researcher and academic leader with an impressive track record in chemical engineering. He earned his B. Tech (Hons), MSc, and PhD in 1995, 2000, and 2004, respectively. His leadership roles at Universiti Sains Malaysia include serving as Deputy Dean (Industry and Community Network) from 2010 to 2012, Deputy Dean (Research and Postgraduate Studies) from 2013 to 2018, and most recently, Dean (2022-2024). Recognized for his expertise, he holds professional affiliations as a Professional Technologist with the Malaysian Board of Technologists (MBOT), a Fellow of Akademi Sains Malaysia and Institut Kimia Malaysia (IKM), and a Life Member of the Malaysian Oil Scientists and Technologists' Association (MOSTA). He is a sought-after MBOT accreditation auditor and an external examiner for numerous academic programs across Malaysian universities. His research primarily focuses on ordered porous catalytic materials for oleochemical reactions, renewable energy, waste treatment, and waste valorization. With an outstanding scholarly contribution, he has authored nearly 300 refereed journal articles and book chapters, primarily as the lead author, and has played a crucial role as a technical committee member for nearly 200 international scientific conferences. His expertise has made him a frequent keynote and invited speaker at prestigious conferences across Malaysia, Laos, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan, Iraq, the Philippines, and China. Beyond academia, he serves as a research proposal evaluator for various ministries and international scientific bodies in the USA, Oman, Qatar, Kazakhstan, and Chile. He is also a Department of Environment Malaysia expert panelist, assessing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports for major industrial projects, including petrochemical complexes, metal smelting facilities, chemical plants, and lead-acid battery recycling plants. His exceptional contributions to research have earned him the Top Research Scientists Malaysia (TRSM) award in 2014 and a prestigious ranking in the List of the World's Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University (2020-2024). With an h-index of 65 and over 14,000 citations (Scopus), his impact on the global research community continues to grow.
Prof. Ahmad Rifqi Md Zain
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Biography: Ahmad Rifqi Md Zain is a Professor of Electronics Engineering at the Institute of Microengineering and Nanoelectronics (IMEN), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). He received his bachelor's degree and master's degree from Coventry University and Glasgow University, United Kingdom, in 2002 and 2005, respectively. Ahmad Rifqi also worked with Marconi Communication as a hardware engineer in the United Kingdom from 2002-2004 before pursuing his studies at Glasgow University. In 2009, He received his PhD from Glasgow University, United Kingdom (with Prof Richard De La Rue), in Electronics engineering (1D photonic crystal cavities). After completing his postdoctoral studies in 2012 at Bristol University in Gallium nitride-based optical biosensors (with Prof Martin J. Cryan), he joined IMEN, UKM in August 2014. In 2017, he joined Prof Marko Loncar at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), Harvard University, as a postdoctoral research fellow in applied physics until 2019, working on Quantum information. Ahmad Rifqi is expert in nanophotonic, optoelectronics and nanofabrication, and his current interest include optical imaging at infra-red region, 2D materials, optical-based biosensors (including Photonic crystal-based waveguide, SERS, LSPR), 1D and 2D photonic crystals, optical MEMS sensors, environmental and agriculturally based sensors (including water security and farming industry), integrated optics and nanofabrication. Ahmad Rifqi is a member of the Optical Society of America, IEEE. IET and SPIE. Ahmad Rifqi has been awarded several research grants nationally and internationally.
Senior Lecturer Dr. Yuli Yetri M.Si
Politeknik Negeri Padang, Padang, Indonesia
Speech Title: The Impact of
Temperature on the Physical and Electrochemical
Characteristics of Carbon-Based Cacao Pods to
Increase the Supercapacitor's Specific Capacitance
and Surface Area
Abstract: The physical and
electrochemical characteristics of monolithic
carbon-based cacao peels have been analysed numerous
times in preparation for their use in
supercapacitors. Thus, examining the connection
between pore diameter, surface area, and specific
capacitance was the primary goal of this
investigation. By utilizing the activation
temperature range of 600 degrees celsius,
700 degrees celsius, 800 degrees celsius,
and 900 degrees celsius, the changes in
pore diameter were discovered. To guarantee that the
electrode's natural porosity would not be disturbed
by adhesives, the carbon electrode was manufactured.
Physical parameters examined include (i) thermal
properties, (ii) surface morphology, (iii) element
composition, (iv) crystallinity attributes, and (v)
N2 gas adsorption-desorption isotherm. Moreover,
Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) was employed as the
electrochemical characteristic to determine the
specific capacitance. The optimum specific
capacitance value was obtained at a temperature of
700 degrees celsius, which was 140.2 F/g. The higher the
temperature, the larger the pore size. This shows
that the pore size increases with increasing
temperature. And the specific capacitance value
increases as the pore size decreases. Analysis of
the degree of crystallinity, thermal resistance,
elemental content, and surface morphology provided
support for this research.
Biography: Prof. Dr. Yuli Yetri M.Si is a Senior Lecturer in Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politeknik Negeri Padang, Padang, Indonesia. She received her Dr. degree from Andalas University, Padang, Indonesia in material chemistry. She specializes in corrosion inhibitor from natural product, material, renewable energy and green chemistry. Up-to-date, she has published papers in International Refereed Journals, and also participated in many seminars or conferences, both national and international level. Since the year 2017, under the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education, Republic of Indonesia, she has been appointed and approved to be one of reviewers for several international refereed journals and grant competition, helping to develop one of the Ministry's programs in improving lecturer's performance. In addition, she is now an active member of Indonesia Chemical Society, Global Illuminator, Global Research & Development Service (GRDS), the IRED Institute of Research Engineers and Doctors, Hong Kong Chemical, Biological & Environment Engineering Society (HKCBEES), and Association of Chemical Physics Indonesia.
Prof. Mary Donnabelle Balela (Head of Sustainable Electronic Materials Group)
University of the Philippines, Philippines
Speech Title: Ag Metal Nanowires:
Development and Applications in Electronic Devices
Abstract: The incorporation of metallic
nanomaterials in the development of flexible
electronic devices, such as touchscreens and tactile
sensors, has been extensively researched. This study
focused on synthesizing silver (Ag) nanostructures
for use in conductive inks. The silver nanowires (Ag
NWs) produced had an average diameter of 95 nm and
lengths exceeding 60 µm, created through the
salt-mediated polyol method. This process resulted
in a flexible transparent conductive film with a
sheet resistance of 13 ohms/sq and an 80%
transmittance rate. Additionally, Cu-Ag bimetallic
nanowires were generated via a galvanic reaction,
showing an increase in the diameter of the Cu
nanowires to 153 nm after the Ag coating. Notably,
this coating reduced the sheet resistance to 111.5
ohms/sq. Furthermore, metal nanowire transparent
conducting films were fabricated using an ultrasonic
spray coater to enhance film uniformity and
facilitate the production of large-area electrodes.
These electrodes were subsequently utilized in the
fabrication of transparent touch screens and tactile
sensors.
Biography: Dr. Mary Donnabelle Balela is a Full Professor at the Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (DMMME), University of the Philippines (UP). She is a graduate of BS Metallurgical Engineering from UP in 2004, MS Materials Engineering from the Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2008, and Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering from Kyoto University in 2011. She leads the Sustainable Electronic Materials Group, which develops low-cost advanced functional materials for electronic, environmental, and energy applications. She received the 2020 Encouragement Award from the Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award for her work on developing customizable sorbents based on kapok fibers. She is the runner-up in the 2019 ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women, 2019 Department of Science Outstanding Research and Development Awardee for Applied Research for her work on silver (Ag) NW-based flexible electronic devices, 2021 and 2018 University of the Philippines Outstanding Engineering Researcher and the 2016 National Academy of Science and Technology (Philippines) Outstanding Young Scientist for Materials Science and Engineering.
Prof. Raj Das
RMIT University, Australia
Speech Title: Effect of scan
parameters on the wear behaviour of additively
manufactured graphene-reinforced stainless steel
composites
Abstract: Graphene-reinforced
metal matrix composites have gained significant
interest due to their potential to enhance
mechanical and tribological performance. In the
context of additive manufacturing, especially the
laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB) process, optimizing
process parameters is crucial to fully harness these
benefits. This study aims to investigate the
influence of two key PBF-LB parameters, scan speed
and scan strategy, on the wear behaviour of
graphene-reinforced stainless steel (Gr-SS316L)
composites. A comparative assessment with bare
SS316L was carried out to understand the role of
graphene as reinforcement and process parameters in
tailoring wear resistance.
Gr-SS316L and SS316L
samples were fabricated under varying scan
parameters to study their wear behaviour. Low-load
tribological testing was performed under four
different normal loads, keeping sliding speed and
distance constant. Post-wear characterization
involved multi-scale microscopy for evaluating wear
tracks and counter surfaces, alongside Raman
spectroscopy to examine the composition and
structure of tribolayers formed during wear.
The
results revealed that the tailored scan parameters
significantly influenced densification,
microstructure, and consequently, the wear
resistance of the composites. Gr-SS316L consistently
outperformed SS316L, demonstrating relatively lower
wear rates and the formation of stable,
graphene-reinforced tribolayers that contributed to
improved wear performance. It was found that the
addition of graphene has improved the wear
resistance of SS316L by approximately 78%.
In
conclusion, the study underscores the critical role
of both processing parameters and graphene
reinforcement in enhancing the tribological
behaviour of Gr-SS316L composites fabricated by
PBF-LB. The insights gained offer valuable
guidelines for designing wear-resistant metal-matrix
composites via additive manufacturing.
Biography: Prof Raj Das leads the
'Simulation and Modelling' team in the Department of
Aerospace Engineering at RMIT University in
Australia. He is also an adjunct academic at the
University of Auckland (New Zealand) and the
University of Quebec (Canada). He is a principal
investigator of the 'Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence
and Aerospace Research Centre' of RMIT University.
He is the Chair of the 'National Committee on
Applied Mechanics' of Engineers Australia, Vice
President of the 'International Congress on
Fracture' and past President of the
'International
Committee on the Mechanical Behaviour of Materials'.
Prof Das has published more than 350 papers in
international journals and conferences. Prof Das has
a PhD from Monash University, Australia in
Structural Optimisation and Failure Analysis. Prof
Das has previously worked in the University of
Auckland, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial
Research Organisation (CSIRO), and the University of
Manchester.
Prof Das has research interests
in computational mechanics, fracture mechanics,
dynamic fracture, damage tolerance analysis, and
multi-scale modelling in metals and composite
materials. Prof Das has been extensively promoting
applied mechanics, computational mechanics and
fracture mechanics research within the Australasian
region. He was the chair of four major scientific
conferences recently held in Australia and New
Zealand. He has served on the scientific committees
of more than 150 international conferences. Prof Das
is on the editorial board and review panel of
several journals and funding agencies.
Assoc. Prof. Suhana Arshad
Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
Speech Title: Improving
Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: The Role of Organic Dye
Structures in Performance and Stability
Abstract: Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a
promising third-generation solar technology,
featuring a nanomaterial-based photoanode, dye
absorbers, electrolyte, and counter electrodes.
While efficient indoors, their outdoor performance
declines as sunlight raises internal temperatures,
accelerating device degradation. Chalcone and
organosilver dye molecules offer significant
potential in enhancing dye-sensitized solar cell
(DSSC) performance. Chalcone derivatives, with their
娴?鐏?/span>-unsaturated ketone structure, exhibit broad
absorption, tunable energy levels, and reduced
charge recombination, facilitating efficient
electron injection into the conduction band when
adsorbed onto electron transport layers (ETL).
Meanwhile, Organosilver derivatives also further
improve DSSC efficiency through plasmonic properties
that enhance light absorption and charge transfer,
minimizing electron-hole recombination. The synergy
between these molecules provides a promising pathway
for optimizing DSSC stability and energy conversion
efficiency. Overcoming challenges like aggregation
and stability is key to optimizing DSSC performance.
Chalcone dyes enhance charge separation, while
organosilver derivatives improve light absorption,
making them promising candidates for sustainable
energy solutions. Continuous interdisciplinary
efforts will be essential in unlocking their full
potential.
Biography: Dr. Suhana Arshad is a
distinguished researcher specializing in Condensed
Matter Physics and Crystallography. She holds an MSc
in Radiation Science and a PhD in Physics from
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Since 2014, she has
been a part of USM's School of Physics, where she
currently serves as an Associate Professor and
researcher. Additionally, she coordinates the X-Ray
Crystallography Laboratory and leads the Condensed
Matter Physics and Crystallography research group.
Her extensive contributions to the field include
over 100 published articles and three filed
Intellectual Property (IP) applications related to
organic synthesis, crystallography, and
optoelectronic technologies. Her research interests
area are in Solar Cells, Organic Light Emitting
Diodes (OLED), computational studies and nonlinear
optics (NLO). She actively reviews for scientific
journals and is a member of several professional
organizations, further enriching her contributions
to the research community.
Assoc. Prof.
Yi Cui
Nagoya University, Japan
Speech Title: Multiscale Modeling
of Nanostructured Materials: Stress-Guided Growth
and Deformation Mechanisms
Abstract: This
study presents recent advancements in multiscale
computational modeling of nanostructured materials,
with a focus on the stress-driven growth and
deformation behavior of metallic nanowires and
thin-film nanostructures. Using finite element
simulations and continuum-scale analysis, we
investigate the formation of vertically aligned
single-crystal aluminum nanowires under focused ion
beam (FIB)-induced stress gradients. The simulations
reveal that localized stress fields act as driving
forces for atomic diffusion, and the role of grain
orientation and size-quantified through Schmid's law
and the Hall-Petch relationship-determines the
nucleation sites and growth direction.
Additionally, impurity-induced pinning effects are
shown to influence anisotropic stress relaxation,
enabling controlled nanowire alignment and density.
The findings are supported by experimental
observations and provide a theoretical framework for
nanowire forest fabrication. The study also extends
to nanopillar formation from alloy thin films and
the mechanics of nanowires under deformation,
offering insights into performance optimization of
nanomaterials. These results contribute to the
foundational understanding necessary for designing
next-generation nanoscale systems, with implications
for applications in electronics, energy devices, and
biomedical materials.
Biography: Dr. Yi Cui
is an Associate Professor in the G30 Automotive
Engineering Program at the Department of Mechanical
and Aerospace Engineering, Nagoya University. He
received his B.Sc. in Theoretical and Applied
Mechanics from Fudan University in 2010, M.Sc. in
Solid Mechanics from Fudan University in 2013, and
Ph.D. in Solid Mechanics from the University of
Alberta in 2017.
Prior to his current position,
Dr. Cui served as Assistant Professor (2021-2024)
and JSPS International Research Fellow (2019-2021)
at Nagoya University's Department of Mechanical and
Aerospace Engineering, following his postdoctoral
research (2018-2019) in Micro-Nano Mechanical
Science and Engineering at the same institution.
Dr. Cui has received multiple prestigious awards
including the 2025 JACM Young Investigator Award,
2024 Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers Paper
Award, Best Reviewer Award from Nuclear Engineering
and Technology (2021), Best Oral Presentation Award
at the 5th International Conference on Nanomechanics
and Nanocomposites (2018, Fukuoka), and Best
Sessional Presentation Award at the 26th Canadian
Congress on Applied Mechanics (2017, Victoria).
Lecturer
Ming Li
University of Electronic Science and Technology of
China, China
Speech Title: High-Performance
Aqueous Zinc-Metal Batteries Based on Hydrogen Bond
Modulation
Abstract: Compared with
traditional organic - system batteries such as
lithium - ion batteries, aqueous zinc metal
batteries have higher safety. In addition, the use
of aqueous electrolytes also provides significant
competitiveness: (1) low cost, (2) environmental
friendliness, (3) excellent rate performance, and
(4) high safety. Therefore, aqueous rechargeable
batteries have received unprecedented attention as
potential candidates for large - scale energy
storage systems. However, the dendrite growth and
side - reaction problems of metal anodes, the low
specific capacity, material dissolution, and
sluggish electrochemical reaction kinetics of
cathode materials, as well as a series of problems
derived from water decomposition in aqueous
electrolytes, have hindered the further development
of aqueous zinc metal batteries. To address these
issues, we optimized hydrogen bonds either within
the electrode materials or in the electrolyte
through a hydrogen - bond regulation strategy,
ultimately achieving a highly stable zinc metal
anode and cathode materials with excellent
electrochemical performance. Meanwhile, by using
advanced in-situ and ex-situ characterization
techniques combined with theoretical calculations,
we systematically investigated the influence of
hydrogen bonds on electrode materials, the energy
storage process, and the electrolyte environment. We
deeply revealed the correlation between hydrogen -
bond regulation and electrochemical performance
optimization, providing an important reference for
the development of high - performance aqueous
batteries.
Biography: Dr. Li Ming is a
lecturer at the School of Materials and Energy,
University of Electronic Science and Technology of
China. He obtained his Master's (2019) and Ph.D.
(2023) degrees from Wuhan University of Technology
under the supervision of Prof. Liqiang Mai. His
research focuses on high - performance aqueous
metal-ion batteries, including electrode material
design, device assembly, and in-situ
characterization of electrochemical energy storage
mechanisms. In recent years, he has published many
high - level papers as the first author (including
co-first author). These papers have been published
in journals such as Advanced Materials (2),
Angewandte Chemie International Edition (ESI hot
paper), Energy & Environment Science (ESI hot
paper), Advanced Functional Materials (2), Advanced
Energy Materials, Nano Energy, Energy & Environments
Materials, and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.
He has also been granted 3 national invention
patents. He is in charge of projects such as the
National Natural Science Foundation of China and the
Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province.
Dr. Satomi Takamatsu
Chiba Institute of Technology,
Japan
Speech Title: Hydrogen on Cell
Walls inside Aluminum Alloy Foam Fabricated via
Semi-Solid Route
Abstract: The objective is
to reveal where the hydrogen exists inside the
aluminum alloy foam fabricated through the
semi-solid route. The aluminum alloy foam was
fabricated by adding titanium hydride as a blowing
agent into hypoeutectic Al-Si alloy in the
semi-solid state and subsequent solidification. The
stereo microscopic images and SEM images on the
inner surface showed that many small angular
particles fixed on the surface. According to the
element mapping on the gas-solid interface, it was
revealed that those angular particles contained Ti
inside. Based on the nominal particle size of the
titanium hydride powder used in this study, these
small particles are considered to be derived from
titanium hydride. Additionally, hydrogen was
released during TG-DTA-MS. The results indicate that
the titanium hydride was not completely decomposed
during the foaming process.
Biography: Satomi Takamatsu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Chiba Institute of Technology, Japan. She received her Doctor of Engineering degree from Waseda University in 2024. Prior to her current position, she worked as an Associate Researcher and Assistant Professor at Waseda University from 2023 to 2025. Her research interests focus on porous materials, casting, and materials processing, particularly in the development and characterization of light metals. She has earned nine academic award, and she received Research Scholarship for Young Scientists by the Light Metal Educational Foundation between 2020 and 2024. Dr. Takamatsu is a member of the Japan Institute of Light Metals, the Japan Society for Technology of Plasticity, and the Japan Institute of Metals and Materials. She also serves on the steering committee of the international conference MetFoam 2025. In addition, she is actively involved in undergraduate education, teaching courses on casting and solidification.
Previous Keynote Lecturers
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Prof. Shigeru Horii |
Prof. Armando Ramalho |
Prof. Osman Adiguzel |
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Prof. Ivana Salopek
Cubric |
Assoc. Prof. Sajid Hussain Siyal |
Assoc. Prof. Muzamir Hasan |
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Assoc. Prof. Bappa Acherjee |
Assoc. Prof. Mohd Hasmizam Razali |
Dr. Tingting Yin |
