Yong Sun

Professor Yong Sun is a distinguished academic at De Montfort University, serving in the School of Engineering and Sustainable Development. He leads the Solid Mechanics and Materials Research Group and is affiliated with the Institute of Engineering Sciences. His work focuses on surface engineering, tribology, and corrosion resistance, with significant contributions to both theoretical understanding and practical applications in industrial settings.

Professor Sun's research expertise spans multiple domains of surface engineering and materials science:

• Surface Engineering & Coating Technologies for Tribological, Corrosion Resistance and Biomedical Applications
• Plasma Nitriding of Ferrous and Non-ferrous Alloys
• Magnetron Sputter Deposition of Oxide, Boride and Nitride Coatings
• Tribocorrosion Behavior of Surface Engineered Materials
• Surface Nanocrystalline Materials and Finite Element Analysis

His extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on improving material performance through surface modification techniques. Recent work emphasizes laser surface engineering, tribocorrosion in various environments, and the development of advanced coatings for biomedical and industrial applications. His research shows strong interdisciplinary connections between materials science, mechanical engineering, and biomedical engineering.

Professor Sun has received significant professional recognition:

• 220+ publications with over 7,500 citations and an h-index of 48 (Google Scholar)
• Editorial board member of Surface Technology and Journal of Biomaterials
• Guest editor for special issues in Lubricants and Materials journals
• Reviewer for numerous prestigious international journals including Surface and Coatings Technology, Corrosion Science, and Wear
• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Member of ASM International and Affiliated Heat Treatment Society

Professor Sun actively supervises research students and has secured multiple research grants. He serves as second supervisor for PhD student Mr. Hafiz M.A. Ali. His funded projects include The Royal Society-NSFC Costshare International Exchange (2017-2019), DMU RIF funding for developing a novel 2-dimensional sliding wear test facility (2014), and DMU Research Capital Infrastructure Funding for developing the Materials Laboratory (2009).

Professor Sun's research group operates state-of-the-art facilities for surface engineering and tribology testing. His Solid Mechanics and Materials Research Group collaborates extensively with industry partners, including notable consultancy work with PepsiCo Inc. on wear analysis of potato slicing blades. The group's work bridges fundamental research with practical industrial applications, particularly in food processing equipment and biomedical devices.