My Expertise
Fibre reinforced composites, lightweight structure, multifunctional composites, functional polymer nanocomposites (e.g., energy harvesting, sensing, gas barrier performance, thermal management), functional fibres and textiles, biomaterials and composites, advanced manufacture
Fields of Research (FoR)
Composite and hybrid materials, Energy generation, conversion and storage (excl. chemical and electrical), Biomaterials, Functional materials, Additive manufacturing, Textile technology, Manufacturing processes and technologies (excl. textiles)SEO tags
Biography
Scientia Associate Professor Jin Zhang is an Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellow in the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales. Her research interests include:
- 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...view more
Scientia Associate Professor Jin Zhang is an Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellow in the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales. Her research interests include:
- 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
My Grants
- J Zhang. High-Performance and Evaporative Triboelectric Nanogenerators. Australian Research Council (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)
My Qualifications
- PhD in Materials Engineering: Deakin University, Australia, 2007
- Master in Materials Science (2001) and Bachelor in Materials Engineering (1998): Hebei University of Technology, China
My Awards
- 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
My Research Activities
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. 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. Some of her recent research interests can be found in the following links:
https://www.boyerlab.com/photocuring
My Research Supervision
Areas of supervision
Currently looking for PhD students in the field of functional nanocomposites (e.g. for energy harvesting and self powered systems) and lightweight fibre reinforced polymer matrix composite structures.
Website for PhD scholarship application: https://research.unsw.edu.au/international-research-scholarships
Completed PhD students at UNSW:
Dr Guang Li, Stretchable composites for sensing and energy harvesting
Dr Xiaobing Shi, Digital light processing 3D printing of thermosets via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization
Dr Wenmu Yang, Enhancing the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of advanced composites
Currently supervising
- Mr. Yilin He (PhD candidate): Flexible composites for energy harvesting and self-power sensors
- Mr. Othman Abu Laban (PhD candidate): Novel composite structures for composite cryotanks
- Mr. Jiawei Wang (PhD candidate): Nano-engineering of carbon fibre composites for liquid hydrogen storage
- Mr. Yuansen Qiao (PhD candidate): 3D-printed flexible and high powered piezoelectric polymer composites for wearable electronic devices
- 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
My Engagement
Academic Lead of Redback Racing, UNSW Formula SAE Team (140 members)
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
ORCID as entered in ROS
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4257-8148