Pengyun Xu | Surface Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pengyun Xu | Surface Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Ocean University of China | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pengyun Xu is an accomplished researcher and academic leader in the field of thermal spray technologies, functional coatings, and micro/nanostructured surfaces, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the College of Engineering, Ocean University of China. He obtained his Ph.D. in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto, Canada, in 2019, under the mentorship of the renowned Prof. Javad Mostaghimi, focusing on the deposition of superhydrophobic rare earth oxide coatings via solution precursor plasma spray processes. Dr. Xu previously worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto (2019–2021), where he investigated columnar-structured thermal barrier coatings, pseudocapacitor electrodes, and graphene synthesis. His current research centers on liquid feedstock plasma spray processes, underwater drag-reduction coatings, superhydrophobic and thermal barrier coatings, and the modeling of micro/nanoscale behaviors in plasma jets, integrating experimental and computational approaches. Dr. Xu’s research skills span materials synthesis, advanced plasma spray technologies, surface morphology control, and functional property characterization, complemented by strong expertise in cross-disciplinary project management. He has published extensively, with over 15 first- or corresponding-author papers in high-impact journals such as Journal of Advanced Ceramics, Surface & Coatings Technology, and Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, and has authored a book chapter with Elsevier. Dr. Xu has led several national and provincial-level research projects and collaborated internationally through NSERC-funded programs in Canada. He serves as a guest editor, editorial board member, and best paper award judge for international conferences and journals. His awards and honors include multiple grants from the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, reflecting his innovative contributions to advanced coating technologies. In conclusion, Dr. Xu exemplifies scientific excellence, leadership, and innovation in materials engineering, with his research advancing sustainable surface technologies and his growing influence promising significant international impact in the field of functional coatings and surface science. 895 Citations | 33 Documents | 15 h-index .

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Wei, Z. Y., Meng, G. H., Chen, L., Li, G. R., Liu, M. J., Zhang, W. X., Zhao, L. N., Zhang, Q., Xu, P., … (2022). Progress in ceramic materials and structure design toward advanced thermal barrier coatings. Journal of Advanced Ceramics, 11(7), 985–1068. Cited by: 335

  2. Xu, P., Coyle, T. W., Pershin, L., & Mostaghimi, J. (2018). Superhydrophobic ceramic coating: Fabrication by solution precursor plasma spray and investigation of wetting behavior. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 523, 35–44. Cited by: 70

  3. Meng, G. H., Liu, H., Xu, P. Y., Li, G. R., Xu, T., Yang, G. J., & Li, C. J. (2020). Superior oxidation resistant MCrAlY bond coats prepared by controlled atmosphere heat treatment. Corrosion Science, 170, 108653. Cited by: 69

  4. Xu, P., Coyle, T. W., Pershin, L., & Mostaghimi, J. (2018). Fabrication of micro-/nano-structured superhydrophobic ceramic coating with reversible wettability via a novel solution precursor vacuum plasma spray process. Materials & Design, 160, 974–984. Cited by: 53

  5. Yi, P., Zhan, X., He, Q., Liu, Y., Xu, P., Xiao, P., & Jia, D. (2019). Influence of laser parameters on graphite morphology in the bonding zone and process optimization in gray cast iron laser cladding. Optics & Laser Technology, 109, 480–487. Cited by: 51

Ilyas Smailov | Tribology | Best Research Article Award

Mr. Ilyas Smailov | Tribology | Best Research Article Award

PhD student at Institute of Energy and Mechanical Engineering Named After A. Burkitbayev, Kazakhstan

Smailov Ilyas is an ambitious and accomplished young professional from Kazakhstan, known for his dedication to engineering, youth leadership, and social development. At just 25, he has amassed an impressive portfolio of academic accolades, leadership awards, and national recognitions. He has actively contributed to national volunteerism and youth policy, earning honors such as the “Qazaqstannyn altyn zhastary – 2020” and the prestigious “Halyk Alǵysy” state medal. His dynamic involvement in student organizations, leadership councils, and public service initiatives demonstrates a unique blend of technical knowledge and civic commitment. He is widely respected for his creativity, public speaking, and organizational skills, making him a rising figure in Kazakhstan’s engineering and youth development landscape. Through internships, workshops, and active community service, Ilyas continues to demonstrate his passion for combining innovation with impact. His long-term vision includes contributing significantly to research, technology, and nation-building through academic and industrial channels.

Professional Profile 

Education🎓

Ilyas began his academic journey at Karaganda Technical University (KarTU), where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering and Technology in Mechanical Engineering in 2020. He continued his education with a Master of Technical Sciences, graduating in 2022. His academic excellence earned him several prestigious scholarships, including those from the Shakhmardan Yessenov, Konrad Adenauer, and Nursultan Nazarbayev foundations. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Satbayev University in Almaty, a leading research institution in Kazakhstan. Alongside his formal education, Ilyas completed advanced training in machining operations and earned the qualification of a 2nd-grade lathe operator. He has consistently combined academic pursuits with extracurricular engagement, attending seminars and workshops on leadership, management, and self-education at nationally significant platforms such as the Library of the First President. His educational background lays a strong foundation for future research and industrial innovation.

Professional Experience📝

Ilyas has built a diverse and evolving professional portfolio that spans engineering, academic coordination, and policy leadership. From 2022 to 2024, he served as a methodologist at the Department of Youth Policy at KarTU, where he also headed the Center for Creative Development, guiding student programs and innovation events. Earlier, he worked as an engineer at Caspian Constructors Trust, contributing to industrial mechanical systems. Currently, he is employed as a process technician at the final assembly workshop of Astana Motors Manufacturing, where he applies his academic knowledge in real-world production environments. In addition, he has actively led student and youth organizations, including serving as chairman of the “Zhas Orda” student union and Youth Association. These roles sharpened his leadership and strategic planning capabilities. His mix of industrial, academic, and civic experience uniquely positions him as a multidisciplinary professional capable of driving innovation both in technical and societal spheres.

Research Interest🔎

Smailov Ilyas’s research interests lie primarily in the field of mechanical engineering, with a focus on advanced manufacturing technologies, machine design, and process optimization. As a current PhD student at Satbayev University, he is committed to exploring innovative engineering solutions that improve production efficiency, sustainability, and material performance. He is particularly interested in integrating practical industrial processes with academic research to solve real-world engineering challenges. His exposure to lathe operations, assembly line processes, and mechanical system diagnostics further fuels his interest in developing automated systems and enhancing precision engineering. Ilyas also shows a growing inclination toward applied mechanics, especially in the context of Kazakhstan’s industrial development. His academic background and professional roles in both educational and manufacturing institutions position him well to bridge the gap between research theory and engineering application. In future work, he aims to contribute to academic publications and collaborative industrial research in the mechanical and manufacturing domains.

Award and Honor🏆

Smailov Ilyas has earned numerous awards and honors that reflect his exceptional academic, leadership, and social contributions. Notably, he was a laureate of the Republican Youth Award “Qazaqstannyn altyn zhastary – 2020” for his excellence in higher education leadership. He received the CIS Medal of Honor as the “Best Student of the Commonwealth of Independent States – 2020,” recognizing his efforts in education, science, and sports. His volunteer work during the COVID-19 pandemic earned him the state medal “Halyk Alǵysy” by presidential decree. He has also received scholarships from the Yessenov Foundation, Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and Nursultan Nazarbayev Foundation. Ilyas’s contributions to youth policy and student development have been acknowledged by prestigious organizations, including the Presidential Office, Ministry of Information and Social Development, and regional Akims. These accolades highlight his strong commitment to leadership, community service, and the advancement of technical education.

Research Skill🔬

Smailov Ilyas possesses a well-rounded set of research skills that support his work in mechanical engineering. He demonstrates proficiency in technical drawing, mechanical system analysis, and engineering diagnostics, grounded in both academic and practical training. His hands-on experience in machinery operations, especially as a certified 2nd-grade lathe operator, complements his ability to conduct experimental research. Ilyas is skilled in data collection, process simulation, and problem-solving methodologies, vital for applied research projects. He has developed early experience in project design, technical documentation, and literature reviews, which are essential for academic writing and publication. His participation in internships and seminars has improved his critical thinking and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills. While his current English proficiency (IELTS 5.5) is developing, he continues to grow his communication abilities through international workshops and training. As a young researcher, Ilyas shows promise in advancing innovative solutions and contributing to industrial research and scientific literature.

Conclusion💡

Smailov Ilyas demonstrates strong leadership, academic excellence, and social engagement. However, for the Best Research Article Award, the critical factor is the quality, impact, and publication of a research article

Publication Top Noted✍️

  • 📘 Title: An Analysis of the Tribological and Thermal Performance of PVDF Gears in Correlation with Wear Mechanisms and Failure Modes Under Different Load Conditions

  • ✍️ Authors: Enis Muratović, Adis Muminovic, Łukasz Gierz, Ilyas Smailov, Maciej Sydor, Muamer Delić

  • 📅 Year: 2025

  • 🔢 DOI: 10.3390/coatings15070800

  • 📚 Journal: Coatings (Published by MDPI)

  • 🔎 Citation Format (APA):
    Muratović, E., Muminovic, A., Gierz, Ł., Smailov, I., Sydor, M., & Delić, M. (2025). An Analysis of the Tribological and Thermal Performance of PVDF Gears in Correlation with Wear Mechanisms and Failure Modes Under Different Load Conditions. Coatings, 15(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15070800

Alexandra Streďanská | Biotribology | Best Researcher Award

🌟Ms. Alexandra Streďanská, Biotribology, Best Researcher Award🏆

Alexandra Streďanská at Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic

Alexandra Streďanská is a Ph.D. candidate at Brno University of Technology, specializing in Design and Process Engineering with a focus on Tribology. With a background in Mechanical Engineering, she has worked as an assistant at the university while also gaining industry experience as a student engineer at Garrett Advancing Motion. Alexandra’s research interests lie in understanding frictional behavior in fascia tissues, with a particular focus on lubrication and regeneration using hyaluronan. She has published extensively in reputable journals and has presented her work at international conferences.

Author Metrics:

Scopus Profile

ORCID Profile

Alexandra Streďanská has authored or co-authored several publications in esteemed journals, including the Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials and Biotribology.

Citations: 3 citations from 3 documents

Documents authored: 2 documents

h-index: 1

Education:

Alexandra completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering at Brno University of Technology. She pursued her Master’s Degree in Power Engineering at the same institution. Currently, she is a Ph.D. Candidate in Design and Process Engineering at Brno University of Technology.

Research Focus:

Alexandra’s research primarily focuses on Tribology, with a specific emphasis on understanding frictional behavior in fascia tissues. Her work involves investigating lubrication and regeneration techniques using hyaluronan.

Professional Journey:

Alexandra has gained professional experience as an assistant at Brno University of Technology, where she engages in research work and teaching activities. Additionally, she worked as a student engineer at Garrett Advancing Motion, where she was involved in the development and qualification of turbochargers for petrol engines.

Honors & Awards:

Alexandra has received recognition for her academic and professional achievements, including the Best Poster Award at the 5th International Conference on BioTribology (ICoBT). She also secured first place in the EBEC Case Study at the faculty round and third place at the university round.

Publications Noted & Contributions:

Alexandra has made significant contributions to the field through her publications. Notable works include understanding frictional behavior in fascia tissues through tribological modeling and material substitution, injecting hyaluronan in the thoracolumbar fascia, and developing a tribological model of human fascia.

Title: Understanding frictional behavior in fascia tissues through tribological modeling and material substitution

  • Journal: Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
  • Publication Date: May 2024
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106566
  • Contributors: A. Streďanská, D. Nečas, M. Vrbka, J. Suchánek, J. Matonohová, E. Toropitsyn, M. Hartl, I. Křupka, K. Nešporová

Title: Development of Tribological Model of Human Fascia: The Influence of Material Hardness and Motion Speed Journal: Biotribology

  • Publication Date: 2022
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.biotri.2022.100209 EID: 2-s2.0-85127519281
  • Contributors: A. Streďanská, D. Nečas, M. Vrbka, I. Křupka, M. Hartl, E. Toropitsyn, J. Husby

Research Timeline:

Alexandra’s research journey includes her current pursuit of a Ph.D. at Brno University of Technology, where she has been engaged since 2020. She also undertook internships at the University of Groningen, Netherlands, in 2023, and currently, she is a special student researcher at Kyushu University, Japan.

Collaborations and Projects:

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Alexandra has collaborated with researchers and professionals from various institutions, including Contipro as, the University of Groningen, and Kyushu University. She has been involved in projects related to tribology, turbocharger design, and the application of hyaluronan in tissue regeneration.