Hannah Lomas

Dr Hannah Lomas is a Researcher in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Newcastle's School of Engineering. She specializes in metallurgical coke, coke strength, tribology, and sustainable cokemaking technologies. Her work focuses on optimizing coke properties for blast furnace operations and reducing carbon emissions through low-carbon ironmaking methods.

Education:

• MChem (Chemistry with Study in Europe) from University of Sheffield (UK) and Ruprecht Karls Universität Heidelberg (Germany), 2005
• PhD in Materials Engineering from University of Sheffield (2006–2010), focusing on biomimetic polymeric vesicles for gene delivery

Research Interests: Dr Lomas investigates coke microstructure, abrasion resistance, gasification mechanisms, and the integration of alternative feedstocks (e.g., biomass, plastics) into coking processes. She also explores the role of coal properties in coke quality and blast furnace performance.

Key Contributions: Her research on tribological testing of coke, fractographic analysis of failure mechanisms, and modeling of gasification kinetics has advanced understanding of coke behavior in extreme conditions. Recent work includes studies on hydrogen-enriched blast furnace environments and low-carbon coke production.

Awards: Recipient of the John Stocker Postdoctoral Fellowship (2011) for developing chlorine-resistant desalination membranes.

Grants & Collaborations: Lead investigator on multiple ACARP-funded projects (e.g., coke reactivity modeling, interface strength analysis). Collaborates with industry on bio-coke development and decarbonization strategies.

Labs/Teams: Member of the Centre for Ironmaking Materials Research at the University of Newcastle, led by Dr Arash Tahmasebi.