Associate Professor Jin Zhang
- PhD in Materials Engineering: Deakin University, Australia, 2007
- Master in Materials Science (2001) and Bachelor in Materials Engineering (1998): Hebei University of Technology, China
Scientia Associate Professor Jin Zhang, an Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellow in the UNSW School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, is leading research efforts in the following fields:
- Functional fibres and composites
- Functional polymer nanocomposites for energy harvesting and self-powered systems, gas barrier performance, thermal management
- Lightweight fibre reinforced composite structures (e.g. cryogenic composite tanks)
- Technical fibres and smart textiles
- 3D printing of polymers and composites
- Biodegradable polymers and composites
- Publications
- Media
- Grants
- Awards
- Research Activities
- Engagement
- Teaching and Supervision
- C Boyer, D Kundu, P Kumar, J Zhang, N Corrigan, V Peterson, J Mata. 3D-Printing Nanostructured Solid Polymer Electrolytes for High Energy Batteries. ARC Discovery Grant (DP250100574) (2024);
- CH Wang, L Wu, J Zhang, C Sammut, ZB Tan. Composite 3D Printing through Sensor-Guided Collaborative Robots. ARC Linkage (LP240100386) Grant (2024);
- Z Sha, CH Wang, J Zhang, F Rogg. High temperature carbon fibre composites. Australia's Economic Accelerator Seed Funding (2024);
- J Zhang. High-Performance and Evaporative Triboelectric Nanogenerators. ARC Future Fellowship (FT230100116) (2024);
- Innovative Development of Biodegradable Healthcare Packaging Products, Ecopha Biotech Pty Ltd, UNSW Sydney, Santevation Pty Ltd, Refresh Waters Pty Ltd. Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRCP) Grants (CRCPXIV000074), University Chief Investigators: J Zhang, C Boyer, CH Wang (2023);
- J Zhang, C Boyer, X Hao, E Fu, S He, Y Li. Lightweight Photovoltaic Modules for Low-Load Capacity Building Roofs. ARC Linkage (LP220200721) Grant (2023);
- J Zhang, CH Wang, M Islam, D Officer, W Canning. Advanced High Temperature Composites for Solid Rocket Motors in Space Launch Vehicles. NSW Space Research Network Research Pilot Program, with Thales Australia (2023);
- J Zhang, CH Wang. Reshoring Fibreglass Airleg Product for Rock Drilling. NSW COVID-19 TechVoucher with Quarry Mining & Construction Equipment Pty Ltd. (2022);
- ARC Research Hub for Connected Sensors for Health (IH210100040) led by CH Wang (2021);
- CH Wang, J Zhang. Advancing an Acoustic-Induced Pollination Solution for Protected Cropping. Future Food Systems CRC (2021);
- C Boyer, J Zhang, N Corrigan. Programming the Microstructure of 3D Printed Objects. ARC Discovery (DP210100094) Grant (2020);
- CH Wang, J Zhang, T Vinoth. Occlusal Splints and Compliance Device for Invisalign, Postgraduate School of Dentistry (2019);
- J Zhang, C Hurren, R Varley. High Sound Absorbing Composites from Recycled Cotton, Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) grant (2018);
- R Varley, M Joosten, J Zhang. Structural Maritime Composite Materials with Superior Wide Spectrum Damping. Defense Science and Technology Group (2018);
- J Zhang, C Hurren, L De Rome. Recycled Plastic Composite Overlay to Reduce Serious Injury Crashes into Wire Rope Barrier by Motorcyclists. Transurban Innovation Grant (2017);
- J Zhang, C Hurren, X Wang. Smart Cotton/Carbon Fabrics for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding. Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) grant (2015);
- CH Wang, J Zhang, A Mouritz, K. Ghorbani, A Kinloch, Aligning and Chaining Carbon Nanofillers in Fibre Composites: Synergistically Improving Damage Tolerance and Diagnosis. ARC-DP140100778 (2014)
- Endeavour Fellowship from the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE) of Australian government in 2012
- Victoria Fellowship from the Department of Victorian State Development Business and Innovation in 2013
- Future Women Leaders Conference Award (Monash University, University of Melbourne, UNSW) in 2019
A/Professor Zhang leads her group in the field of materials, mechanical and manufacturing engineering with polymer matrix composites (polymer nanocomposites, fibre-reinforced composites and biocomposites), fibres and textiles, and biodegradable polymers. She has published >130 journal articles which have been well cited (>8000 citations, H-index 48, Google Scholar; FWCI 4.54, Clarivate). She’s been listed among Stanford/Elsevier’s Top 2% Scientist in 2019-2022 (highlighting the top 2% of the most cited scientists across the globe).The main research topics covered by her publications include triboelectric energy harvesting and self-powered sensors, aerospace carbon/epoxy composite manufacture, lightweight composite structures, polymer nanocomposites for gas barrier performance and thermal management, functional textiles, multiscale and multifunctional composites, 3D printed polymers and composites by photopolymerization, etc. She has extensive experience in project management of research projects with numerous industry partners such as Auto CRC, Quickstep Technologies, Thales Australia, Ecopha Biotech, Cotton Research and Development Cooperation, Transurban, Postgraduate School of Dentistry, Future Food CRC, and Quarry Mining. A/Professor Zhang has supervised 14 PhD students to completion. Her past students have been recognised with prestigious/competitive awards (e.g., Defence Materials Technology Centre National Innovation Award, UNSW Dean’s Award for Outstanding PhD Thesis, CASS Travel Award), and have found successful careers in both academia and industry (e.g. MIT, RMIT, Carbon Revolution, ATA Scientific). Of broad community impact, Zhang has led highly visible outreach efforts based on her research in biodegradable polymer packaging, smart fibres and fabrics and recycled plastics for roadside safety barriers, with features in Create Digital from Engineers Australia, Channel Ten “Scope”, the science show in Robyn William’s ABC radio, Spotlight on cotton R&D, and the “Australian” newspaper.
Academic Supervisor of Redback Racing, UNSW Formula SAE Team (150 members)
My Research Supervision
- Ms. Yingkun Sheng (PhD candidate): Lightweight, high performance and durable photovoltaic module
- Mr. Charles Zhuo (PhD candidate): 3D printed materials for energy harvesting and self-powered sensing
- Mr. Xichuan Li (PhD candidate): Light responsive nanomaterials
- Mr. Tran Bach Dang (PhD candidate): Development of flexible pacemakers
- Mr. Duc Thanh Nguyen (PhD candidate): 3D printing polymers
- Mr. Richard Gan (PhD candidate): Triboelectric textiles with enhanced comfort
My Teaching
- MATS4005 Composite and Functional Materials
- MMAN4010 and MMAN4020 Practice Thesis Projects
- GSOE9810 Product and Process Quality in Engineering
- MECH9420 Composite Materials and Mechanics