At noon on April 2nd, Professors Hu Song and Wang Yi participated in an online research seminar with Professor Fabrizio Dughiero and Dr. Marco Bullo from the Department of Industrial Engineering (DII) at the University of Padova, Italy. Mr. Zuo Jinbao, Consultant for Engaging High-Level Chinese Universities of DII, also took part in the meeting.

Professor Dughiero opened the session by sharing his team’s latest research findings on radio frequency and microwave heating technologies. He explained the principles and operational processes behind these advanced methods, illustrating their respective advantages and key distinctions through experimental data and simulation results. Highlighting the drawbacks of traditional heating approaches—such as excessive water usage and high operational costs—he demonstrated how these innovative techniques could significantly improve energy efficiency in the steel industry. He also expressed his team's growing interest in the emerging concept of "heating without combustion," which offers promising potential for promoting green industrial transitions.

Professor Wang Yi followed with an overview of his team’s collaborative research with domestic enterprises on “heating without combustion” technologies. Their work involves classifying the combustion behaviors of various tobacco raw materials to better understand their burning characteristics and pollutant emission profiles. Utilizing field testing platforms, the team has examined the spatiotemporal dynamics of heavy smoke and char formation during tobacco pyrolysis and combustion. They have also developed models to link user sensory perceptions with optimized tobacco formulations. In addition, their research explores the electromagnetic-thermal decomposition mechanisms of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials and their interactions with aerosol agents, laying the foundation for mild extraction and enrichment technologies aimed at capturing aromatic components in tobacco.

The seminar concluded with discussions on potential avenues for future collaboration and the outline of a preliminary action plan. As a step toward deepening bilateral ties, Professor Dughiero plans to visit China again in May to continue technical exchanges and explore collaborative opportunities. The visit will likely include on-site enterprise inspections and other activities to promote practical cooperation in technological innovation and application.