10 Questions with Zhiwang Li

Our PhDs are playing a significant role within our program, and in the broader industry.

Zhiwang is a PhD Student with ACM CRC Partner, The University of Sydney (USYD), prior to which he completed his BEng in Mechanical Engineering and his MPhil in Mechanical Engineering, both at USYD.

His research is focused on tribology, polymer composites, and laser cladding. Specifically, he has investigated using 3D printing technology to change material design and fabrication, regarding the development of high-wear-resistance polymer composites, particularly using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM).

Zhiwang has investigated recent advances in this field, focusing on the selection of key printing parameters (such as layer thickness, print speed, infill density, and printing temperature) and material compatibility optimisation to enhance print quality and tribological performance.

Q1. Under which ACM CRC Research Program does your PhD project sit?

My PhD project is conducted under the “Research Program 3 – Simulation and Performance Prediction” specifically focusing on laser-based additive manufacturing techniques, such as laser cladding, for industrial applications. 

Q2. What is the focus of your PhD?

My research primarily aims at optimising laser cladding processing parameters to improve wear and corrosion resistance of metallic coatings. The focus includes systematically studying process parameters like laser power, scanning speed, powder feed rate, and overlap ratios to achieve optimal microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties, particularly targeting applications in harsh service environments.

Q3. When did you become interested in this field?

My interest in laser cladding and tribology began during my master's research, where I explored additive manufacturing methods for enhancing material properties. This experience has led to my fascination with the synergy of laser processing and material optimisation, prompting me to pursue a PhD in this specialised field.

Q4. What made you interested in it?

The potential for laser cladding to significantly extend the lifespan and performance of critical components in mining, aerospace, automotive, and marine industries was challenging. I was particularly interested in how precise control of processing parameters could substantially influence mechanical and tribological performance, offering practical and scalable solutions to industrial challenges.

Q5. What do you hope to achieve through your PhD? What challenges are you hoping to solve?

Through my PhD, I aim to develop robust methodologies for parameter optimisation in laser cladding to reliably produce coatings with exceptional wear and corrosion resistance. I seek to solve practical issues such as coating delamination, high residual stresses, inconsistent microstructures, and suboptimal performance in real-world conditions. Ultimately, I hope my research facilitates broader adoption of laser cladding technologies across various industries.

Q6. What are your long-term goals/ambitions?

In the long term, I aspire to become a leading researcher in advanced manufacturing technologies, bridging the gap between academic innovation and industrial application. I aim to continue refining manufacturing techniques, mentoring future researchers, and promoting sustainable, high-performance solutions in manufacturing industries.

Q7. What’s the best thing about being an ACM CRC PhD student?

The best aspect is the direct engagement with industry and academia facilitated by ACM CRC. This collaborative environment provides valuable opportunities to translate research into practical, impactful solutions, enriching both academic inquiry and industry practice.

Q8. What one piece of advice would you give to people thinking of undertaking a PhD in the composites manufacturing area?

Be thoroughly curious and resilient: embrace challenges as integral parts of the discovery process. Composites manufacturing involves complex interactions between materials, processes, and properties; thus, maintaining systematic research practices and openness to interdisciplinary collaboration will greatly enhance your success.

Q9. Tell us something about you that would surprise/impress people.

Beyond research, I am actively involved in innovative approaches such as integrating acoustic measurement techniques during laser cladding, aiming at real-time monitoring and optimisation, which represents an exciting frontier in additive manufacturing research.

Q10. Anything to add?

My research philosophy is centred on practical applicability: ensuring that scientific advancements directly enhance industry standards. I strongly believe interdisciplinary collaboration, especially within ACM CRC's network, is essential for translating lab-scale innovations into real-world impacts.