The 2025 China Youth Materials Heat Treatment Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition finals concluded recently in Jinan, attracting nearly 90 teams nationwide, including young faculty, doctoral candidates, researchers, and industry professionals. Representing Ocean University of China (OUC), the “Er-New” Team (“铒”目一新), mentored by Professor Cui Zhongyu from the School of Materials Science and Engineering, secured a National Second Prize.
The Er-New Team at the Competition
Organized by the Heat Treatment Society of the Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society and listed in the 2023 National College Student Competition Analysis Report, this inaugural national event aims to foster innovation, talent development, and industry collaboration among young materials scientists. After rigorous on-site evaluations and final deliberations by expert judges, 10 teams received first prizes, 15 earned second prizes, and 21 were awarded third prizes.
The “Er-New” Team, comprising graduate students Li Dehua, Liu Jiajun, Xiang Hao, Bai Yujie, and Ma Fengyi, presented their project titled “Rare Earth Microalloying and Heat Treatment Synergy for High-Strength, Corrosion-Resistant, Fatigue-Resistant Aluminum Alloys.” Addressing the poor additive manufacturability of 7xxx-series high-strength aluminum alloys, the team optimized elemental compositions to minimize thermal cracks while enhancing mechanical properties, fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance. By integrating tailored heat treatment processes, they maximized precipitation strengthening, solid solution strengthening, grain refinement, and dislocation strengthening, significantly improving the comprehensive performance of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF)-fabricated components.
Team Leader Li Dehua Defends the Project
Driving Innovation Through Competition
In recent years, the School has prioritized scientific and technological innovation among students, actively supporting participation in national competitions. Initiatives such as publishing a White List of Key Academic Competitions and establishing funding policies for contest participation have strengthened project incubation. This achievement reflects the School’s commitment to enhancing students’ practical and innovative capabilities through competition-driven education.
Moving forward, the School will continue to “promote teaching, learning, and innovation through competitions”, providing students with broader platforms to excel in materials science and engineering.
Text: Wang Xiangyu
Photos: Li Dehua
