From: tama@demorgan.uwaterloo.ca (T. Ma)
Subject: Graduate Study in Composite Material Science
Keywords: Graduate Composite Material
Organization: University of Waterloo
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 1992 21:28:46 GMT


Dear Sir/Madam, 
	I am posting an article for my friends in China who is planning to 
continue his education toward a PhD. degree in Composite Material Science.
	He has both excellent academic background and excellent R&D experiences.
	He is working on the composite material system for Chinese astronautic 
industry.  He speaks very fluent English (used to be a part-time Chinese-English
 interpretor, TOEFL scored 647).
	If any researchers or professors who are looking for a Ph.D student in
the fields of material science, you can email me. I can pass your message to him
 and let him perpare his application materials for you, or you may write to him 
directly.

	His current address is:

	Mr. Niu, Zhen
	P.O. Box 9211
	Beijing 100076
	P.R. China

Thank you very much.
--Tianan

The following is his own statement.

===============================================================================

		A STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Education and Experiences

	From 1980 to 1987, my education focused on polymeric composites science
and engineering, especially for aerospace applications. Courses taken in the 
Under/post graduations emphasized on the understanding of (1) the basic 
structures of the material micro-world, and (2) the relationship between the 
structural parameters in dependence with raw materials, process, application, 
etc. and composite properties. 
	Courses also taken on composite/polymer-oriented physics, chemistry, 
physico-chemistry, and mechanics, engineer mathematics, computer science, those 
for the nature of composite major, and those for general engineering received
extensive attention. Composite fabrication technology for diverse processes
and modern testing/analyzing techniques for either pure scientific research
or engineering QC & problem solution were learned.
  	Composites normally demonstrate strong anisotropism and heterogeneity,
hence limit classical material theories. In 1984, for investigating composite
Kic, crucial for theoretical development of composite fracture mechanism, my
B.S. thesis[1] and later in 1985-87 M.S. thesis[2] for composite thermal
physical properties characterization were all approved respectively.
	Major career experience was obtained as an engineer for freezer and
refrigerator production QC and development (polyurethane insulator properties)
in the Liuzhou Freezer from middle 1987 to late 1988, and later, as a scien-
tific worker for the composite material system for space applications
(863 National High-Tech R&D project) in the Beijing Research Institute of 
Materials & Technology.The project achievements were published in Proceedings
of the 6th National Conference on Composite Materials, Nov. 1990. I joined the
Chinese Society of Astronautics.

RESEARCH INTERESTS AND CAREER GOALS

	Past research has been within C/C or SiC/C composites (component 
processing, properties control, and oxidation resistance treatment for 
reinforcement/matrix/substrate) for structural and high temperature
protection application. Research interests also go into the kindred
carbon/graphite-based materials with unique functions, such as ACF, GIC,
PFC[3]. See Appendix for research work. These form the basis of my intended   
research in this field exciting and with growing possibilities. particularly
interests are in (1) reducing the cost of and characterizing composites;
(2) active carbon materials for wastes reclamation; (3) development of carbon/
graphite/ceramic composites or compounds for special applications in the 
industries of energy, micro-electronics, bio-medical technology, and fine
chemistry.
	To improve the world in living quality, engineering science, as one
of the keys, has the obligation to both the effective use and the exploita-
tion of natural resources. This fulfillment requires universal and excellent
humane activity. Faithful heritage of knowledge and imagination or creativity
constituent important roles. As an educated man, I am willing to devote my
life for this obligation by genuine studying and working.
	DMEMS at Carnegie Institute of Technology has initiated a new thrust
in the area of advanced ceramics and CMU is on of the several institutions 
with high standards which offer conditions best suitable for me in terms of
study programs, faculty, courses, facilities, research emphasis, and tradition.
If I have graduated from CMU, I would prefer to start a scientific research
career with a mechanism of rooting in universities, bridging with industries,
and benefiting society, e.g. acreer able to create more efficient materials
(ceramics and composites) and also to reduce the wastes, thus the risk.
restoring and protecting our environment and making it a more lovely place
for generations.

[1] The Determination of Kic for G/C Fibers Reinforced Composites.
[2] Experimental Research on Thermal Diffusivity Measurement Using Step-Heating
for Both Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Materials.
[3] ACF: Active Carbon Fiber, GIC: Graphite Intercalation Compound,PFC: Formed
Carbon.


                          APPENDIX
Three titles of the major research reports are listed below.
1. A Summary Report on the Exploratory Research of Oxidation Resistant Carbon-
Carbon and Carbon-Carbon/Carbon Silicide Composites (Part 1, 1988-1990. Part 2,
1990-1991)
2. Improved Strength, Chemical Stability, and Temperature Performance for
Flexible Graphite Laminate.
3. The Effects of SiC Coating Thickness and Siliconization upon the Strength
and Oxidation Resistance Properties of Carbon/Carbon Composite.
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