Dr Xinhe Xiong

Profile

Dr Xinhe Xiong obtained his first degree in Materials Science and Engineering with Business Management from the University of Birmingham (2013-2016). He then went to the University of Florida for an MSc degree in Materials Science and Engineering (2016-2018). Following the completion of PhD (2018-2023) at the University of Birmingham in Surface Engineering, he joined the Institute of Functional Surfaces, University of Leeds in 2024, working on an industrial project developing surface coatings for future electric vehicles.

Dr Xiong is an active researcher in the Surface Engineering field, endorsed for Global Talent by the Royal Academy of Engineering. Focusing on novel materials development, novel surface engineering technologies development and tribology research, he aims to make conventional surface engineering processes more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and economically feasible for large-scale industrial production. In his doctoral work, he developed an innovative catalytic ceramic conversion treatment (CCCT or C3T) for Zr702 alloy for the first time, which is a more efficient option compared to the conventional ceramic conversion treatment (CCT or C2T).

Dr Xiong is also highly enthusiastic about teaching and has experience working with both undergraduate and postgraduate students in his previous roles. At Leeds, he contributed to the teaching of the MECH5375M ‘Surface Engineering & Coatings’ module by delivering the seminar.

Research interests

- Developing novel surface engineering technologies for Innovation and Sustainability
Passionate about advancing energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and economically viable processes for large-scale industrial production.

- Surface coatings

Applying surface coatings and assessing their effectiveness in modifying surface characteristics, such as hardness, wear resistance, and frictional behavior, under defined tribological conditions.

- Tribology research
Investigating the tribological behavior of interacting surfaces, including the mechanisms of friction, wear, and lubrication. Understanding how surface properties, material composition, lubrication and environmental conditions (e.g. load, speed, temperature) affect contact performance,

- Materials Characterisation

Understanding the structure and microstructure of materials and composites to reveal their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties.

- Metals/Alloys manufacturing and processing

Investigating metallurgical processing and the use of computational modelling and digital tools to control microstructure and enhance mechanical properties for targeted engineering applications.

Qualifications

• University of Birmingham (2023) PhD - Surface Engineering Group, School of Metallurgy and Materials
• University of Florida (2018) MS - Materials Science and Engineering
• University of Birmingham (2016) BEng - Materials Science and Engineering with Business Management

Research groups and institutes

• Institute of Functional Surfaces
• Surface engineering
• Materials Characterisation
• Tribology