In the country, it shone brightly.

If you follow scientific news these days through the internet or the media, names like Dr. Mohammad Reza Kalahi and Qom University of Technology will sound familiar to you as they represent a first in the country.

An interview with Dr. Kalahi to learn more about their latest invention, a long-lasting tire, and its patent registration.

   Hello. Thank you.

  I am Mohammad Reza Kalahi. I was born in 1978 in Tehran. I completed my bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering at Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch. During this period, I got acquainted with Dr. Rafizadeh, a professor at the Polymer Faculty of Amirkabir University of Technology, which brought me closer to the field of polymers. So much so that I managed to continue my studies in the Polymer field at Tarbiat Modares University by achieving the 29th rank in the Master's entrance exam. Without a break, I also completed my PhD with the 2nd rank at this university.

  It started mostly during my undergraduate studies. My first article was published in a technology journal during my Master's program, and I have since published over 35 articles in ISI journals. I have participated in 60 scientific and research conferences, both domestic and international, and I have registered 10 of my inventions so far. Additionally, one of my articles was nominated as a hot paper, and recently another of my articles was introduced as the most read scientific article in the last three months.

For the first time in Iran, we succeeded in incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles into the curing system of ethylene-propylene diene rubber (EPDM), which improves the curing properties and increases the thermal resistance (lifespan) of the final product, enhancing its mechanical properties. Furthermore, this nanocomposite has numerous applications in various industries, including automotive and cable industries. Based on the volume percentage of zinc oxide nanoparticles, we were able to enhance properties such as wear resistance, ductility, and hardness. Interestingly, the activation energy for the degradation of this system shows an increase of up to 200%, indicating a significant increase in the lifespan of the aforementioned nanocomposite parts.

  I have been teaching since 2004 at universities in Tafresh, Payame Noor University of Isfahan, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Scientific Research University, and Qom University of Technology at the undergraduate and master's level. Additionally, I collaborate in the research sector with the Nanotechnology Research Institute of Amirkabir University of Technology, the Polymer and Textile Faculty of Sharif University of Technology, and the Protein Research Institute of Shahid Beheshti University.

  During a pilgrimage trip I took with my family to the holy city of Qom, I learned about the establishment of the Industrial University in this province. I proposed the establishment of a Polymer Engineering program to the university president, Dr. Moshkooh Al-Sadat, and thanks to their cooperation and continuous follow-ups, this program was successfully established.

    Given the strategic position of the holy city of Qom in terms of historical, religious, and political significance, as well as its recognition as an industrial hub of the country, it is hoped that it will become one of the prominent industrial universities not only at the national level but also across the Islamic world, attracting students from all over the Islamic world and securing a special place in the country.

  Yes. I prefer to spend time with my family, and if I get the opportunity, I engage in new styles of Azan (call to prayer) along with traditional Iranian melodies.