Rate My Professor Xiaowen Yuan

Professor Xiaowen Yuan is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, at Auckland University of Technology. She was promoted to full Professor effective January 2024, following her role as Associate Professor. Yuan holds a BE (Hons), ME, and PhD from the University of Auckland, and is a Member of Engineering New Zealand (MENZ). As Director of the Future Fibres Laboratory and theme leader within the Smart Systems Materials & Manufacturing Research Centre (S2M2), she leads interdisciplinary research on fibre processing, functionalisation, and product development. Her work focuses on transforming New Zealand plant fibres, such as harakeke (New Zealand flax) and industrial hemp, into high-performance materials for applications including supercapacitors, smart textiles, energy storage, construction, and medical uses. Yuan explores the potential of agricultural resources to create bio-composite materials, addressing challenges like climate change and fossil fuel depletion through sustainable manufacturing.

Her research specializations include novel composite materials from natural sources like gelatine, cellulose, and collagen, with emphasis on surface modification of fibres and advanced manufacturing techniques. Key publications demonstrate her impact in the field: 'Improving the mechanical properties of natural fibre fabric reinforced epoxy composites by alkali treatment' (Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 2012, 544 citations); 'Effects of plasma treatment in enhancing the performance of woodfibre-polypropylene composites' (Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 2004, 247 citations); 'Characterisation of voids in fibre reinforced composite materials' (NDT and E International, 2012, 248 citations); 'Superhydrophobic, Magnetic Aerogels Based on Nanocellulose Fibers Derived from Harakeke for Oily Wastewater Remediation' (Polymers, 2023); and 'Atmosphere-free activation methodology for holey graphene/cellulose nanofiber-based film electrode with highly efficient capacitance performance' (Carbon Energy, 2022). Yuan collaborates with industry partners, Māori organizations, and government agencies to promote economic and environmental benefits. Her contributions advance sustainable materials science, supporting New Zealand's fibre industry.