The National Engineering Research Center of Rubber and Plastic Mould at Zhengzhou University is a leading institution dedicated to the research and development of advanced polymer materials and molding technologies. Its core focus lies in serving national strategic needs in extreme environments such as deep space and deep sea, emphasizing lightweight, functional, and structured materials. Key research areas include transparent plastic molding, fiber-reinforced composites, micro-cellular injection molding, multi-mode in-mold integration, and nanocomposite processing technologies.
Established in 1990, the center was among the first in China to conduct research on CAD/CAE for plastic mould. It was officially approved in 1995 and has since achieved numerous milestones, including participating in the development of face windows for China's Shenzhou space missions and earning national awards for technological innovation. It also hosts a key laboratory approved by the Ministry of Education and has been selected for national-level talent and innovation programs.
The center operates within ZZU and maintains an independent company for technology incubation and commercialization. It promotes interdisciplinary research, fosters graduate education, and encourages scientific innovation through internal funding, talent recruitment, and scholarship programs. With a comprehensive management system and sustained commitment to excellence, the center continues to play a major role in addressing important national needs and advancing material technology.