RESEARCH INTERESTS

Professor Cheng specializes in ceramic materials and composites. His research interests cover the areas of ceramic processing, microstructure development, phase characterisation, and materials applications in aggressive conditions. He has worked for a number of years in the development of non-oxide engineering ceramics and composites, especially sialons.

He is a chief investigator of the novel ceramic-polymer composites for fire-performance cable applications in the Cooperative Research Centre for Polymers. These materials possess polymer characteristics of high toughness and flexibility at room temperature, but when exposed to fire become hard and strong ceramics that have good dimensional stability, coherence and insulating properties. This technology has been commercialised by an Australian company and the research team has won several awards in 2004.

In recent years, he has been involved in the research of nano-TiO₂ based dye sensitised solar cells. His main interest is in the development of nanostructured working electrodes. Work has been carried out to modify the morphology and chemistry of the porous electrodes to improve the solar cells’ performance.

TEACHING INTERESTS

Mechanical Properties of Materials
Ceramic Technology
Engineering Ceramics
Glass and Glass-Ceramics

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