Materials scientist · Singapore
Postdoctoral Fellow · Nanyang Technological University
I study how ceramics, metals, and their interfaces transform under constraint—and how those local transformations can make structural materials stronger, tougher, and more adaptive.
Research statement
The central idea is to place a transformable phase, interface, or architecture exactly where a material needs a new way to carry load.
01 · Research
Each direction links a physical mechanism to a measurable mechanical response, supported by microscopy, scattering, and in situ testing.
01
I use matrix constraint and local stress states to activate reversible phase transformation in ceramics and metals—turning metastability into strength, toughness, and recovery.
02
I study how chemistry, precipitation, and dislocation structures evolve near ceramic–metal boundaries, then use those mechanisms to improve interfacial strength and fracture resistance.
03
I connect ultrafast processing and multi-phase architecture with in situ and cross-scale mechanics to understand where transformation localizes and how damage can be redirected.
02 · Selected publications
Selected papers that show the progression from constrained phase transformation to interface design.View the full record ↗
Acta Materialia · 311, 122074
Acta Materialia · 276, 120118
Nature Communications · 14, 7103
03 · Platforms & resources
My work combines non-equilibrium processing, micro- and nano-mechanics, electron microscopy, and bulk scattering to connect process, structure, and performance.
Three-dimensional inspection of internal architecture, defects, and damage evolution.
Phase, strain, and nanoscale-structure measurements across bulk and constrained systems.
TEM, FIB, diffraction, and chemical mapping for interfaces and transformation mechanisms.
Ultrafast sintering & joining · additive manufacturing · hot pressing & infiltration
TEM & FIB · X-ray microscopy · neutron/X-ray scattering · in situ micromechanics
Phase transformation · interface mechanics · damage localization · failure analysis
04 · Biography
My path has moved from functional nanomaterials and graphene processing to transformable composites, ultrafast ceramic processing, and materials under extreme conditions.
2025—present
Nanyang Technological University · Singapore
Structural and functional ceramics, ultrafast processing, additive manufacturing, and materials performance under extreme conditions.
2020—2025
NTU × Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Zhiyuan Honor Program (top 1%). Research on transformation-induced mechanical robustness in metastable aluminum-matrix composites.
2019
University of Oxford · United Kingdom
Scalable graphene processing and environmentally considerate polymer-fibre fabrication in the Grobert group.
2016—2020
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Hsu Tzuyao Honor Class (top 10%), with undergraduate research across composites and functional nanomaterials.
05 · Mentoring & service
I value the practical work that makes research communities function: teaching methods, maintaining access, reviewing carefully, and helping early-career researchers build confidence.
Principal investigator of an NSFC Ph.D. Program project on intelligent composites.
Research mentor in the YSA–Yuanpei Young Scholars Program and co-supervisor of undergraduate and master’s research.
Journal reviewer and former manager of the SJTU Electron Microscopy Group, supporting training and instrument access.
06 · Contact
I welcome conversations about composites, interfaces, phase transformation, micromechanics, neutron scattering, and ultrafast processing.
cs-wangshu.zheng@ntu.edu.sg