Research Highlights

Project 1

• Academic title/degree: PhD
• Affiliation: Institute of Environment
• Contact email: tungvh.vmt@vimaru.edu.vn

• To extract natural compounds from plant leaves with corrosion inhibition capability for reinforced concrete structures in coastal and island environments.
• To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of using natural compounds to produce environmentally friendly corrosion-inhibiting admixtures for reinforced concrete structures in coastal areas of Hai Phong.

• Literature review
• Selection of raw materials for the extraction process
• Evaluation and selection of preprocessing and preservation technologies for input materials
• Development of technological process for producing corrosion-inhibiting admixtures for reinforced concrete from plant leaf extracts
• Evaluation of the corrosion inhibition efficiency of the admixture in reinforced concrete

• Scientific publications (ISI/Scopus/domestic journals): 02 ISI-indexed papers and 01 reputable domestic journal article
• Technological process/software/model/equipment: Corrosion-inhibiting admixture extracted from plant leaves; industrial-scale technological process for manufacturing environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors

The project has obtained significant achievements in both scientific research and practical applications. Firstly, the research team successfully identified a natural raw material source, namely Cleistocalyx operculatus leaves (rich in polyphenols), and developed an optimized extraction process with high efficiency and stability, consistent with the principles of green chemistry. Based on this foundation, an environmentally friendly corrosion-inhibiting admixture system was successfully fabricated, in which polyphenol compounds form a protective film on the metal surface through adsorption mechanisms and complex formation with iron ions.

Electrochemical experiments, mass loss measurements, and surface analyses (SEM, EDX) demonstrated that the admixture significantly reduces the corrosion rate of CT3 steel in simulated seawater environments, achieving high and stable inhibition efficiency over time. In addition, the project established a complete technological process from extraction to admixture production and pilot-scale manufacturing at laboratory scale.

When incorporated into reinforced concrete, the admixture exhibited good compatibility with construction materials, did not adversely affect mechanical properties, and contributed to improved chloride ion penetration resistance and enhanced durability in aggressive environments. Experimental results on M300-M600 grade concretes under both simulated and real conditions confirmed the strong application potential of this admixture for coastal construction projects.

Project 2

• Academic title/degree: PhD
• Affiliation: Institute of Environment
• Contact email: longth.mt@vimaru.edu.vn

• To determine the current status, causes, and formation mechanisms of rip currents at selected beaches in Hai Phong City;
• To predict the occurrence of rip currents during peak tourist months at selected beaches in Hai Phong City;
• To propose practical solutions to mitigate hazards caused by rip currents at selected beaches in Hai Phong City.

• Literature review
• Data collection
• Assessment of rip current conditions at seven beaches in Hai Phong City
• Development of numerical simulation models for seven beaches in Hai Phong City
• Synthesis and evaluation, including statistical reports, summary reports, and comprehensive reports of research findings

• Scientific publications (ISI/Scopus/domestic journals): 01 paper published in the Journal of Marine Science and Technology
• Technological process/software/model/equipment:
  • Comprehensive dataset from surveys, measurements, monitoring, analysis, and processing of wave conditions, currents, suspended sediments, water level fluctuations, surface sediment mechanical composition, and bathymetric depth measurements;
  • Rip current prediction results for seven beaches during the five peak tourism months in Hai Phong City;
  • A set of rip current forecasting maps for seven beaches during the five tourism months (May–September) at a scale of 1:2,000 using the VN2000 coordinate system (central meridian 105°45’, projection zone 30);
  • Proposed solutions to mitigate hazards caused by rip currents at selected beaches in Hai Phong City.

Project ĐT.MT.2022.925 successfully applied advanced technologies, including MIKE 21 hydrodynamic modeling and RTK surveying techniques, to accurately assess the current conditions and develop a comprehensive set of rip current prediction maps for seven beaches in Do Son and Cat Ba during the peak tourism season (May–September).

A key achievement of the project is the establishment of a high-resolution 3D topographic database of beach morphology, together with practical safety solutions such as standardized warning signage systems, identification of optimal locations for floating buoy barriers to demarcate hazardous zones, and technical escape procedures for swimmers encountering rip currents. These outcomes contribute directly to enhancing tourist safety and improving the overall quality and sustainability of coastal tourism in Hai Phong City.

Project 3

• Academic degree: PhD
• Affiliation: Institute of Mechanical Engineering
• Contact email: quyenvv.cndt@vimaru.edu.vn

• To refine high-quality Mg from domestic raw materials and develop a simple, cost-effective manufacturing process suitable for local conditions.
• To alloy Mg with elements such as Al, Zn, Re, etc., in order to produce Mg-based sacrificial anodes with high electrochemical potential for corrosion protection of steel structures within the city.

• Literature review
• Development of a technological process for producing high-purity Mg
• Development of a technological process for manufacturing Mg alloys used for sacrificial anodes
• Development of a manufacturing process for sacrificial anodes from the studied Mg alloys
• Experimental production and process optimization

• Technological process for producing high-purity Mg metal
• Technological process for producing Mg alloys
• Manufacturing technological process
• High-quality Mg metal
• Mg alloys and sacrificial anodes

A comprehensive review has been conducted on methods to improve durability and corrosion resistance of steel structures, as well as on manufacturing techniques for various types of sacrificial anodes, providing the basis for selecting suitable Mg alloys for anode production.

Modern methods for Mg production have been collected, analyzed, and evaluated. Appropriate methods with high economic efficiency, simple technology, and cost-saving advantages have been selected for producing high-purity Mg used in sacrificial anodes with good corrosion protection properties. The influence of technological parameters on the high-purity Mg production process has also been evaluated.

Experimental data have been used to analyze and determine optimal technological parameters, thereby establishing a production process for high-quality Mg suitable for manufacturing sacrificial anodes.

The Mg sacrificial anode casting technology has been analyzed and selected; technological parameters and geometric characteristics of the sacrificial anodes have been evaluated. An efficient, cost-effective, and technically simple casting process for Mg sacrificial anodes has been proposed.

Project 4

• Academic degree: PhD
• Affiliation: Institute of Mechanical Engineering
• Contact email: maibtn@vimaru.edu.vn

To manufacture Al–Zn alloy and improve its ductility through modification using rare-earth elements La and Ce. At the same time, to determine optimal technological parameters for the production process of Al–Zn alloy sheets.

To complete the manufacturing process for Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy with chemical composition equivalent to aluminum alloy grade 7475, and to optimize technological parameters for melting and modification processes to refine grain size using La and Ce in combination with thermo-mechanical treatment. The objective is to significantly improve ductility (elongation > 200%) and enhance strength after forming. To establish a complete technological procedure and parameter set for tensile testing, including specimen dimensions, testing temperature, and strain rate.

• Literature review
• Development of melting and casting process for Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy
• Development of heat treatment and thermo-mechanical processing procedures to strengthen Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy
• Development of high-temperature tensile testing procedures to evaluate formability of La- and Ce-modified Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy
• Experimental manufacturing and process optimization
• Final report preparation

Theoretical review combined with experimental methods and advanced analytical techniques for evaluating microstructure and mechanical properties of materials.

• Scientific reports (technical reports, summary report, final report)
• Set of technological procedures for melting and casting high-ductility Al–Zn alloy containing La and Ce
• Set of heat treatment and thermo-mechanical processing procedures for high-ductility Al–Zn alloy system
• Set of high-temperature tensile testing procedures for Al–Zn alloy
• Verified dataset of material performance indicators

Project 957 has achieved notable results in three aspects: scientific novelty, technological completeness, and application value. The project has demonstrated the effectiveness of La and Ce modification for Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys and has initially clarified the grain refinement mechanism and ductility improvement of intermetallic phases. In particular, Al₁₁Ce₃ acts as a nucleation site, while Al₃La contributes to inhibiting grain growth. These findings provide clear scientific value by linking experimental observations with the fundamental relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties, consistent with the project’s objective of analyzing the role of La and Ce in grain refinement and ductility enhancement.

From a technological perspective, the most significant achievement is the establishment of a relatively complete processing chain to improve alloy ductility, including rare-earth modification, homogenization annealing, severe cold deformation, and recrystallization annealing. With this technological route, the material achieved grain sizes below 10 µm and elongation up to 667%. This represents a very strong result, as the project initially targeted high ductility approaching the superplastic regime with elongation above 200%; therefore, the obtained elongation level of 500–600% (expected range) significantly exceeds the initial target. Furthermore, these results closely align with the expected scientific and technological outputs described in the project proposal, including technological procedures for melting and casting, thermo-mechanical processing, and high-temperature tensile testing of La- and Ce-containing Al–Zn alloys.

In terms of practical significance, the project goes beyond phenomenon observation by proposing optimal technological parameters for manufacturing sheet-form alloys. This is particularly important because the project documentation clearly identifies the application orientation toward high-strength, high-ductility aluminum materials for forming processes, especially in shipbuilding industry applications. In other words, the project results contribute to narrowing the gap between laboratory-scale research and the development of practical technological processes and experimental products.

Project 5

• Academic degree: Associate Professor, PhD
• Affiliation: Institute of Mechanical Engineering
• Contact email: namnd.khcs@vimaru.edu.vn

To develop a technological process for manufacturing low-manganese alloy steel with improved wear resistance for industrial applications.

To develop technological procedures for manufacturing selected components made from low-Mn steel operating under abrasive wear conditions.

• Literature review
• Investigation and determination of technological parameters for producing low-Mn alloy steel
• Development of a technological process for manufacturing low-Mn alloy steel
• Experimental production of low-Mn steel, evaluation, and process optimization
• Experimental production of bucket teeth components and performance evaluation; development of techno-economic report
• Final evaluation and reporting, including statistical report, summary report, and comprehensive report of research outcomes

The project employs a combination of research methods, including data collection and systematization, analytical and statistical methods, theoretical research, and experimental approaches, specifically as follows:

• Theoretical research: Conducting a comprehensive literature review and statistical analysis of domestic and international studies to develop an appropriate research approach.
• Experimental methods: Conducting investigations to evaluate and develop the technological process for producing low-Mn steel, including melting technology, casting process, and heat treatment procedures for the studied low-Mn steel alloy.

• Scientific publications (ISI/Scopus/domestic journals)
• Technological process/software/model/equipment: technological procedures for casting and heat treatment of low-Mn steel; low-Mn steel materials used for manufacturing wear-resistant components
• Scientific reports: comprehensive report of research results and related technical documentation.

Project 6

• Title/Degree: Assoc. Prof. Dr.
• Affiliation: Faculty of Marine Engineering, Vietnam Maritime University (VMU)
• Contact Email: tranhongha@vimaru.edu.vn

To research, design, and fabricate a system capable of detecting, identifying, and monitoring floating obstacles while a vessel is underway under various weather conditions.

• Research the design and fabrication of an integrated system for detection, identification, and monitoring of floating obstacles at sea.
• Research the integration of onboard Radar and AIS (Automatic Identification System) to enhance target tracking capabilities and collision avoidance warnings.
• Research and design an automatic self-balancing device to stabilize images for surveillance cameras under different vessel heeling and pitching conditions.

• Develop software for detecting, identifying, analyzing, and tracking vessels and floating obstacles to support collision avoidance maneuvering and maritime SAR.
• Conduct research on integrating the system with existing shipborne Radar and AIS to improve automatic target tracking and collision risk alerts when the host vessel approaches targets.
• Research and design a stabilizing gimbal system for surveillance cameras to ensure steady imagery amidst ship motions (rolling/pitching).

• Statistical Method: Collect data on various vessel types and obstacles (container ships, general cargo ships, fishing boats, lifeboats, life rafts, and persons overboard) to analyze characteristics for accurate identification under diverse maritime and lighting conditions.
• Theoretical Method: Develop AI training algorithms (Deep Learning) to recognize the aforementioned targets across different light levels and weather scenarios.
• Experimental Research Method: Install and test the monitoring system on actual vessels to validate target recognition performance at sea.

• Publications: 02 National scientific papers.
• System Performance Specifications:
  • Detection Range: Up to 10 km for vessels and 5 km for humans in good weather (daylight, clear sky, sea state 2); up to 5 km for vessels and 2 km for humans in adverse weather (sea state 6, rain, nighttime).
  • Identification Range: Up to 5 km for vessels and 1.5 km for humans in good weather; up to 2 km for vessels and 1 km for humans in adverse weather.
  • Features: Target tracking and collision avoidance warnings.
  • Accuracy: Guaranteed up to 80%.
• Human Resource Training: 01 PhD candidate.

The project represents a significant milestone in modernizing the maritime industry. Key highlights include:

1. Mastery of Multi-Object Recognition Technology: Developed a comprehensive maritime image dataset and successfully trained Deep Learning models (such as YOLOv11, Faster R-CNN) to accurately identify vessels (cargo, fishing, lifeboats, etc.) and persons in water—a vital feature for Search and Rescue (SAR).
2. Advanced Monitoring and Tracking: Beyond detection, the system assigns unique IDs to targets for real-time tracking and calculates relative velocity and trajectory to provide early collision warnings.
3. Hardware Design and System Integration:
   • Utilizes specialized high-resolution and infrared (thermal) cameras for 24/7 operation.
   • Integrated powerful edge computing modules (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson) for low-latency AI processing directly on-site.