Professor Mingxing Zhang
Professor

Mingxing Zhang

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 334 68709

Background

Professor Mingxing Zhang’s research interests are in the additive manufactruring of metals and MAX phase mateirals, high entropy alloys, new alloy design through machine learning and application of crystallography to engineering materials, surface engineering of metals, and grain refinement for cast metals.

Prof Zhang is a world leader in the area of crystallography of phase transformations and its applications in engineering materials, and is recognised as one of the top researchers in the areas of phase transformations, grain refinement for cast metals, additive manufacturing of metals, and surface engineering.

Prof Zhang obtained his Bachelor of Engineering from the Inner Mongolian University of Science and Technology and Master of Engineering from Northwestern Polytechnical University, China. In 1997 he was awarded his PhD degree by The University of Queensland. His research expertise and interests include crystallography of phase transformations, grain refinement and alloy development of aluminum and magnesium alloys, surface modification and coatings, bainitic transformation and bainitic steels.

Prof Zhang’s research hopes are to apply his fundamental research results to develop new generation metallic materials and to improve the current materials processing techniques. His research outcomes will also offer materials scientists a totally new way to undertake surface treatment for metallic materials, therefore to significantly improve the surface durability of this type of materials. For example, the recently developed new packed powder diffusion coating technique for titanium alloys will enable the replacement of the highly costive superalloys with Ti alloys. The research also hopes to enhance Australia’s competitive ability in international markets in light metals and contribute significantly to material science with the study of the mechanism of phase transformations in solids.

Availability

Professor Mingxing Zhang is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Materials engineering

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Engineering, Institution to be confirmed
  • Masters (Coursework) of Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research interests

  • Crystallography of phase transformations in solids

    Understanding of the crystallography of phase transformation will leads design more effective materials processing techniques and therefore to produce higher quality materials.

  • Additive manufacturing of metals

    Additive manufacturing is one of the most advanced manufacturing technologies with advantages of high design freedom, short lead time and direct manufacturing of parts from digital files. But, not all engineering alloys can be additively manufactured at this stage. Prof Mingxing Zhang's research aims to design and develop new alloys that suit for additive manufacturing and to modify or inoculating the currently commercial available alloys so that they can be additively manufactured.

  • High entropy alloys

    High entropy alloy is a relatively new member in the family of the metallic materials with extraordinary mechanical, physical and chemical properties. But, the currently available high entropy alloys are very expensive due to use of high cost metals such as Co and Ta. Prof Mingxing Zhang's group aims to develop new and cost-effective high entropy alloys with the new design strategy to achieve properties that cannot be achieved in common engineering alloys

  • Design of new alloys through machine learning

    Currently, there are around 65000 commercial alloys used in engineering. But, engineers still face challenge to select right alloys to fulfil a specific application, particularly for the extreme conditions. Hence, researchers and engineers have never been stopping to design new alloys. But, this is not a simple work because there are trillions possibilities in terms of the combination of chemical combinations with processes. Previously used trial-and-error approach will not work. Our research aims to exploit the potencies and design new alloys using the advanced machine learning technique based on the truth of current alloys followed by experimental verifications.

  • MAX phase compound materials

    MAX phase compounds (MPCs) are lightweight materials that have both metallic and ceramic characteristics. In addition to their functional performance as magnetic, optoelectronic, radiation-resistant, and electrocatalytic materials, MPC materials are also associated with high corrosion and oxidization resistance at high temperatures, cracking self-healing performance, good thermal and electrical conductivity and high mechanical properties. Hence, MPCs have also been considered as emerging advanced materials for engineering applications at special and extreme conditions, such as high temperature, high pressure and corrosion and oxidization environments, in aerospace, nuclear, defence, electrical and other industrial sectors. However, it is currently difficult to produce large quantities of MAX materials and parts using conventional manufacturing processes. Our research aims to in-situ fabrication of MPC parts through additive manufacturing approach using proper powder mixture and processing control.

  • Grain refinement of cast metals

    The research focuses on seeking new grain refiners for cast metals based on fundamental research results and to refine the as cast grain size, and to improve the properties of cast metals

  • Surface treatment of metallic materials

    The research aims at developing new surface treatment techniques and/or modify the current techniques in order to effectively imporve the surface properties of metal components.

Search Professor Mingxing Zhang’s works on UQ eSpace

341 works between 1992 and 2025
All (341) Journal Article (303) Book Chapter (3) Conference Publication (33) Book (1) Other Outputs (1)

241 - 260 of 341 works

2010

Journal Article

Growth temperature and V/III ratio effects on the morphology and crystal structure of InP nanowires

Paiman, S., Gao, Q., Joyce, H. J., Kim, Y., Tan, H. H., Jagadish, C., Zhang, X., Guo, Y. and Zou, J. (2010). Growth temperature and V/III ratio effects on the morphology and crystal structure of InP nanowires. Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, 43 (44) 445402, 445402-1-445402-6. doi: 10.1088/0022-3727/43/44/445402

Growth temperature and V/III ratio effects on the morphology and crystal structure of InP nanowires

2010

Journal Article

Investigation of Cu coatings deposited by kinetic metallization

Han, Y. K., Birbilis, N., Spencer, K., Zhang, M.-X. and Muddle, B. C. (2010). Investigation of Cu coatings deposited by kinetic metallization. Materials Characterization, 61 (11), 1167-1186. doi: 10.1016/j.matchar.2010.07.011

Investigation of Cu coatings deposited by kinetic metallization

2010

Journal Article

The influence of ceramic particles on bond strength of cold spray composite coatings on AZ91 alloy substrate

Wang, Qiang, Spencer, Kevin, Birbirlis, Nick and Zhang, Ming-Xing (2010). The influence of ceramic particles on bond strength of cold spray composite coatings on AZ91 alloy substrate. Surface & Coatings Technology, 205 (1), 50-56. doi: 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2010.06.008

The influence of ceramic particles on bond strength of cold spray composite coatings on AZ91 alloy substrate

2010

Journal Article

Identifying close-packed planes in complex crystal structures

Kelly, P. M., Ren, H.-P., Qiu, D. and Zhang, M.-X. (2010). Identifying close-packed planes in complex crystal structures. Acta Materialia, 58 (8), 3091-3095. doi: 10.1016/j.actamat.2010.01.046

Identifying close-packed planes in complex crystal structures

2010

Journal Article

Nanomechanics of Mg-Al intermetallic compounds

Zhang, M. -X, Huang, H., Spencer, K. and Shi, Y. N. (2010). Nanomechanics of Mg-Al intermetallic compounds. Surface and Coatings Technology, 204 (14), 2118-2122. doi: 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2009.11.031

Nanomechanics of Mg-Al intermetallic compounds

2010

Journal Article

A new approach to grain refinement of an Mg-Li-Al cast alloy

Jiang, B, Qiu, D, Zhang, MX, Ding, PD and Gao, L (2010). A new approach to grain refinement of an Mg-Li-Al cast alloy. JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS, 492 (1-2), 95-98. doi: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2009.11.066

A new approach to grain refinement of an Mg-Li-Al cast alloy

2010

Conference Publication

Inoculation during Metal Castings: Beyond Grain Refining

Qiu, Dong and Zhang, Mingxing (2010). Inoculation during Metal Castings: Beyond Grain Refining. 7th Pacific Rim International Conference on Advanced Materials and Processing, PRICM-7, Cairns, Qld., Australia, 2-6 August 2010. Zurich, Switzerland: Trans Tech Publications. doi: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.654-656.671

Inoculation during Metal Castings: Beyond Grain Refining

2010

Conference Publication

Structure and properties of cold spray coatings

Spencer, Kevin, Luzin, Vladimir and Zhang, Mingxing (2010). Structure and properties of cold spray coatings. 7th Pacific Rim International Conference on Advanced Materials and Processing, Cairns, Australia, 2 - 6 August 2010. Zurich, Switzerland: Trans Tech Publications. doi: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.654-656.1880

Structure and properties of cold spray coatings

2009

Journal Article

Carbon content of bainite ferrite in 40CrMnSiMoV steel

Kang, M.K., Ai, Y.L., Zhang, M.X., Yang, Y.Q., Zhu, M. and Chen, Y. (2009). Carbon content of bainite ferrite in 40CrMnSiMoV steel. MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, 118 (2-3), 438-441. doi: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2009.08.014

Carbon content of bainite ferrite in 40CrMnSiMoV steel

2009

Journal Article

Effect of active heterogeneous nucleation particles on the grain refining efficiency in an Mg-10 wt.% Y cast alloy

Qiu, D. and Zhang, M.X. (2009). Effect of active heterogeneous nucleation particles on the grain refining efficiency in an Mg-10 wt.% Y cast alloy. JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS, 488 (1), 260-264. doi: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2009.08.100

Effect of active heterogeneous nucleation particles on the grain refining efficiency in an Mg-10 wt.% Y cast alloy

2009

Journal Article

Crystallographic features of phase transformations in solids

Zhang, M.X. and Kelly, P.M. (2009). Crystallographic features of phase transformations in solids. Progress in Materials Science, 54 (8), 1101-1170. doi: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2009.06.001

Crystallographic features of phase transformations in solids

2009

Journal Article

The use of Al-Al2O3 cold spray coatings to improve the surface properties of magnesium alloys

Spencer, K., Fabijanic, D.M. and Zhang, M.X. (2009). The use of Al-Al2O3 cold spray coatings to improve the surface properties of magnesium alloys. SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY, 204 (3), 336-344. doi: 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2009.07.032

The use of Al-Al2O3 cold spray coatings to improve the surface properties of magnesium alloys

2009

Journal Article

Crystallography of heterogeneous nucleation of Mg grains on Al2Y nucleation particles in an Mg-10 wt.% Y alloy

Qiu, D., Zhang, M.X. and Kelly, P.M. (2009). Crystallography of heterogeneous nucleation of Mg grains on Al2Y nucleation particles in an Mg-10 wt.% Y alloy. SCRIPTA MATERIALIA, 61 (3), 312-315. doi: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2009.04.011

Crystallography of heterogeneous nucleation of Mg grains on Al2Y nucleation particles in an Mg-10 wt.% Y alloy

2009

Journal Article

The use of kinetic metallization to form intermetallic reinforced composite coatings by post-spray heat treatment

Spencer, K. and Zhang, M.X. (2009). The use of kinetic metallization to form intermetallic reinforced composite coatings by post-spray heat treatment. SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY, 203 (20-21), 3019-3025. doi: 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2009.03.019

The use of kinetic metallization to form intermetallic reinforced composite coatings by post-spray heat treatment

2009

Journal Article

Heat treatment of cold spray coatings to form protective intermetallic layers

Spencer, K. and Zhang, M.X. (2009). Heat treatment of cold spray coatings to form protective intermetallic layers. SCRIPTA MATERIALIA, 61 (1), 44-47. doi: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2009.03.002

Heat treatment of cold spray coatings to form protective intermetallic layers

2009

Journal Article

A new approach to designing a grain refiner for Mg casting alloys and its use in Mg-Y-based alloys

Qiu, D., Zhang, M.A., Taylor, J.A. and Kelly, P.M. (2009). A new approach to designing a grain refiner for Mg casting alloys and its use in Mg-Y-based alloys. ACTA MATERIALIA, 57 (10), 3052-3059. doi: 10.1016/j.actamat.2009.03.011

A new approach to designing a grain refiner for Mg casting alloys and its use in Mg-Y-based alloys

2009

Journal Article

Three-dimensional simulation of solid-liquid two-phase flow in a circular secondary clarifier

Wang, Xiao-Ling, Cao, Yue-Bo, Zhang, Ming-Xing and Yang, Li-Li (2009). Three-dimensional simulation of solid-liquid two-phase flow in a circular secondary clarifier. Gongcheng Lixue/Engineering Mechanics, 26 (6), 243-249.

Three-dimensional simulation of solid-liquid two-phase flow in a circular secondary clarifier

2009

Journal Article

Grain refinement by AlN particles in Mg-Al based alloys

Fu, H.M., Zhang, M.X., Qiu, D., Kelly, P.M. and Taylor, J.A. (2009). Grain refinement by AlN particles in Mg-Al based alloys. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 478 (1-2), 809-812. doi: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2008.12.029

Grain refinement by AlN particles in Mg-Al based alloys

2009

Journal Article

The morphology and formation mechanism of pearlite in steels

Zhang, M.X. and Kelly, P.M. (2009). The morphology and formation mechanism of pearlite in steels. MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION, 60 (6), 545-554. doi: 10.1016/j.matchar.2009.01.001

The morphology and formation mechanism of pearlite in steels

2009

Journal Article

The interfacial structure of self-assembled DySi2 nanostructures grown on Si(001)

Qiu, D., Kelly, P.M. and Zhang, M.X. (2009). The interfacial structure of self-assembled DySi2 nanostructures grown on Si(001). SCRIPTA MATERIALIA, 60 (9), 787-790. doi: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2009.01.017

The interfacial structure of self-assembled DySi2 nanostructures grown on Si(001)

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2028
    Improving the processing of low-grade copper ores
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2026
    Control of the electrical and magnetic properties of cable steels with high-conductivity
    Baosteel-Australia Joint Research and Development
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2025
    AM of MAX Phase parts for applications in extreme environments
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023 - 2024
    Free Float or support free: a new generation metal 3D printing facility (ARC LIEF administered by RMIT University)
    RMIT University
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2024
    Development of new carbide-free nanostructured bainitic steels for structural and spring applications and study of the strengthening and toughening mechanisms
    Baosteel-Australia Joint Research and Development
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Improvement of Additive Manufacturing Processability of Alloys and Ceramics
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    Development of grain refinement techniques for improvement of additive manufacturing processability of 3D printing alloys
    HBIS Group Co, Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    Design of Cost-effective Compositionally Complex Alloys
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    A femtosecond laser micromachining facility for a wide range of materials (ARC LIEF project administered by Griffith University)
    Griffith University
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2024
    Hypersonic Science and Enabling Technologies - General Support
    Commonwealth Defence Science and Technology Group
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    Development of New Aluminium Alloys through Big Data Analytics
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2021
    Development of Innovative Technologies for Quality Control of Large Size Ocean Steel Plates
    HBIS Group Co, Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2022
    ARC Training Centre in Alloy Innovation for Mining Efficiency (AIME) (ARC Training Centre administered by Deakin University)
    Deakin University
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2021
    Hydrogen embrittlement and hydrogen-influenced low-cycle fatigue of advanced h-strength steels and parts for auto service
    Baosteel-Australia Joint Research and Development
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Development of High Performance Mg Alloys via a Novel Approach
    Universities Australia - Germany Joint Research Co-operation Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Development of advanced beneficiation processes for a hematite ore
    Chicheng County People's Government
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Development of high strength and high ductility magnesium-aluminium based cast alloys through novel approaches
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - Seed Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Advanced Laser Additive Manufacturing System for Extended Applications to Surface Engineering, Direct Manufacturing and New Alloy Development
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Dual Column-Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscope facility for Queensland
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Influence of hydrogen on steel for auto construction
    Baoshan Iron and Steel Co Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Australia- China Research Centre for Light Metals (ACCLiM) (DIICCSRTE funded project led by Monash University)
    Monash University
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Thermal and mechanical simulation laboratory for light metals (ARC LIEF Grant administered by The University of New South Wales)
    ARC LIEF Collaborating/Partner Organisation Contributions
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2016
    Novel approach to grain refinement for continuous casting and ingot casting of steels
    Baoshan Iron and Steel Co Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Surface Engineering of Cast Magnesium Alloys for Innovative High Performance Packaging Robots
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Vacuum induction furnace for casting titanium alloys
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Advanced Facility For Transmission Electron Microscopy Specimen Preparation
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Development of Novel Welding Technique for Metals Using Kinetic Metallization
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Novel Approach to Titanium Porous Coating for Implant Applications
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    A Novel Approach to Grain Refinement of Cast Metals
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2016
    A Unified Crystallographic Theory of Phase Transformations in Solids
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Nanomechanical testing capability extension for nanotechnology and bioengineering applications
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    Novel Surface Treatment for Metals
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2011
    Nanofabrication of Micro Optical Components
    DEST (Department of Education, Science and Training) Australia-China Special Fund for Scientific and Technological Cooperation
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2014
    ARC Centre of Excellence for Design in Light Metals (ARC COE administered by Monash University)
    Monash University
    Open grant
  • 2005
    Development of New Generation of Abrasion-Resistant White Cast Irons
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2007
    A Novel Surface Alloying Technique to Improve the Corrosion and Wear Resistance of Magnesium Alloys
    ARC Linkage International
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2009
    Surface Nanocrystallization and Surface Alloying of Nonferrous Alloys
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    The Development of High Strength Aluminium and Magnesium Alloys Using Edge-to-edge Matching Model
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Formation mechanism of granular bainite and granular structure in low carbon low alloy steels
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Surface alloying of pure copper
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1998
    The morphology and crystallography of diffusion-controlled phase transformations - a new approach
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Mingxing Zhang is:
Available for supervision

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Available projects

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Development of 3D printed Metal Scaffold to enhance bone in-growth

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Justin Cooper-White

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Additive manufacturing of H13 steel

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Ruth Knibbe, Dr Qiyang Tan

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Fabrication of crack-free novel Ni-based superalloys by additive manufacturing

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Additive Manufacturing of High Entropy Alloys

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Qiyang Tan

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Design of New Wrought Aluminium Alloys with Improved Performance Assisted by Machine Learning

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Ruth Knibbe, Dr Qiyang Tan

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Advanced high strength 316L-TiN steel composites using selective laser melting

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Fabrication of crack-free novel Ni-based superalloys by additive manufacturing

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Additive manufacturing of MAX Phase parts for applications in extreme environments

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Qiyang Tan

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Hydrogen embrittlement of additively manufactured advanced structural materials

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Andrej Atrens, Dr Qiyang Tan, Dr Jeffrey Venezuela

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Laser additive manufacturing of iron and its alloys

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Qiyang Tan

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Selective Surface Oxidation in Differential Particle Separation

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Yongjun Peng

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Mingxing Zhang directly for media enquiries about:

  • Biomaterials
  • Cast metals
  • Crystallography - metals
  • Light metals -surface treatment
  • Metallic materials
  • Metallurgy
  • Metals - grain refinement
  • Metals - surface treatment

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