"R&D and commercialization of key technologies of high-performance, environmentally-friendly and flame-retardant timing belts for rail transit use", the project submitted by Prof. ZHANG Yan and Associate Research Fellow WANG Wei at the School of Materials Science and Engineering in collaboration with Ningbo Yujiang Special Rubber Belts Co., Ltd., was approved as one of the second batch of key scientific research programs in Ningbo, according to the circular issued by the municipal government about the funding earmarked for scientific and technological advancements. The project aims to develop high-performance, environmentally-friendly and flame-retardant timing belts for the rail transit system by solving problems in the preparation, flame-retardant and smoke suppression technology, as well as abrasion and corrosion resistance typical of the existing products. Five other programs submitted by the university have also been approved.
This marks the School's latest success in applying for the government-supported scientific and technological research projects at the municipal level following the sanction of the project jointly submitted by Prof. LI Juan and Ningbo Huaxing Technology in 2021.
Prof. ZHANG Yan, master's supervisor, serves as director of the School's Institute of Polymer Materials and Engineering and board member of Zhejiang Materials Research Society. Having long been engaged in the research on the design, preparation and application of the environmentally-friendly flame retardant system, she holds 16 patents and has published more than 30 papers in authoritative academic journals, including three highly cited ESI-indexed papers. She has led a number of projects receiving national-, provincial- or municipal-level funds.
WANG Wei, associate research fellow and master's supervisor, serves as deputy director of the Institute of Polymer Materials and Engineering. Having long been engaged in the research on special polymer materials, he has led over a dozen projects including the ones receiving national- or provincial-level funds, key public welfare projects of Ningbo and the ones commissioned by enterprises. In addition, he has published more than 30 SCI-indexed papers and holds 11 authorized patents.
Founded in 1993, Ningbo Yujiang Special Rubber Belts Co., Ltd. is a Sino-American joint venture. It is a leading transmission belt manufacturer in China subordinate to Ningbo Fubang Holdings Limited, one of the top 500 Chinese enterprises. Having long maintained a sound cooperative relationship with NingboTech's Institute of Polymer Materials and Engineering, the company is an important internship base for students majoring in polymer materials and engineering.
