Prof. Hsin-Chih LIN Awarded the 2022 Hou Jin-Dui Distinguished Honor Award

2023/2/13

In 2022, the annual Hou Jin-Dui Outstanding Honor Award in the Category of Metal Smelting was awarded to Prof. Hsin-Chih LIN (林新智) of the Dept. of Materials Science at NTU's College of Engineering (COE). Prof. Lin's research focuses on the development of shape-memory alloys (SMAs), nickel-based superalloys, high-performance alloys, hydrogen storage alloys, magnesium-lithium alloys, and biodegradable biomedical materials. In the past decade, he has further delved into the field of surface modification technology, including coating processes such as atomic layer deposition (ALD), micro-arc oxidation (MAO), magnetron sputtering, cold spraying, anodic treatment, etc. Prof. Lin's research results have been published in 172 papers in SCI journals, and he has obtained five patents in Taiwan (Republic of China).

Fully committed to innovative technologies and breakthroughs, Prof. Lin has developed TiNiCu SMAs with ultra-high vibration suppression capabilities; aluminum oxide nanoscale coating applied through three-dimensional ALD technology, which improves the biocompatibility of biomedical materials and reduces the risk of nickel-dissolution-induced allergy and poisoning; the low-Mn Fe-based SMA with desirable mechanical properties (recoverable strain above the mandated 2%) which can be manufactured at a low cost; the Fe-based SMA with 100% shape-recovery ratio; magnesium-zinc-zirconium-carbon alloy with high hydrogen storage performance which can be mass-produced; as well as lightweight hydrogen storage tanks.

In addition, Prof. Lin has also proactively promoted the development of the metal industry by assisting the industry in developing the best-quality steel in Taiwan for marine structures and in successfully mass-producing advanced high-strength steel and abrasion-resistant steel. By adjusting the ratio of elements such as nickel, chromium, and molybdenum in steel, Prof. Lin successfully increased hook materials' lifting capacity and safety. The ultra-light magnesium-lithium alloy he developed is also widely used in the casing of notebook computers, smartphones, etc. As a breakthrough in the melting technology and mass production of magnesium-lithium alloys, the MAO surface treatment and color development technologies significantly improved the end products' corrosion resistance and overall aesthetics. In conclusion, Prof. Lin not only boasts excellent academic performance in his research, but has also produced several innovative breakthroughs in the fields of SMAs, biomedical alloys, high hydrogen storage alloys, magnesium-lithium alloys, and biodegradable biomedical materials. All these accomplishments have helped enhance domestic industries' leadership and competitiveness in the international market.

 

Honorary Chairman Earle J. S. Ho (侯貞雄) (middle) and Chairman & CEO Henry C. T. Ho (侯傑騰) (left) of TUNG HO Steel Enterprise Corp. presenting the award to Prof. Lin.

The Hou Jin-Dui Outstanding Honor Award was established in 1991 by the THS Foundation (formerly known as the Mr. Hou Jin-Dui Culture and Education Foundation, renamed in 2021) with the support of TUNG HO Steel Enterprise Co., Ltd., in recognition of those who have made outstanding achievements and contributions in the education, research, and promotion of basic science and technology in four major categories, i.e. basic science, materials science, metal smelting, and environmental protection, all of which are directly related to the technological upgrading and economic development of Taiwan. A fifth category "green building" was added later in 2006.

It is worth noting that such a significant award, supported by a private enterprise to incentivize scholars and experts in their innovative R&D and cultivate new talents in the industries, has been presented to 172 individuals and one non-governmental entity. Until this year, 18 faculty members of the COE have received this honor. The list of award-winning faculty members over the years is as follows:

1992 Professor Wan-Fa YANG (楊萬發) of Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering
1995 Professor Shyi-Kaan WU (吳錫侃) of Materials Science and Engineering Department
1997 Professor Pen-Chi CHIANG (蔣本基) of Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering
1999 Professor Fu-Tien JENG (鄭福田) of Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering
2000 Professor Shang-Lien LO (駱尚廉) of Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering
2002 Professor Shin-Min SHIH (施信民) of Chemical Engineering Department
2004 Professor Tung-Han CHUANG (莊東漢) of Materials Science and Engineering Department
2006 Professor Kuen-Shyang HWANG (黃坤祥) of Materials Science and Engineering Department
2007 Professor Keh-Chyuan TSAI (蔡克銓) of Civil Engineering Department
2012 Professor Chih-Kung LEE (李世光) of Graduate Institute of Applied Mechanics
2013 Professor Wen-Chang CHEN (陳文章) of Chemical Engineering Department
2013 Professor Chao-Sung LIN (林招松) of Materials Science and Engineering Department
2015 Professor Jer-Ren YANG (楊哲人) of Materials Science and Engineering Department
2017 Professor Ching-Yuan CHANG (張慶源) of Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering
2019 Professor Duu-Jong LEE (李篤中) of Chemical Engineering Department
2020 Professor Fuh-Kuo CHEN (陳復國) of Mechanical Engineering Department
2020 Professor Kuo-Lun (Allan) TUNG (童國倫) of Chemical Engineering Department
2022 Professor Hsin-Chih LIN (林新智) of Materials Science and Engineering Department