Xiaodong Ma

Dr Xiaodong Ma obtained his Bachelor's Degree in 2006 and a Master's Degree in 2009 from Dalian University of Technology, China, then graduated with a PhD in 2012 from The University of Tokyo, Japan, supported by the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarship.

Dr Ma joined The University of Queensland in 2012, right after his PhD graduation, starting as a postdoctoral research fellow.

Dr Ma is now the group leader of the High-Temperature Processing (HTP) group and leading the HTP Program at JKMRC, SMI of UQ. He is an expert in experimental and modelling research on thermodynamics and kinetics of high-temperature materials processing for ferrous, non-ferrous and advanced materials. He has extensive hands-on experience in fundamental study and applied research, including solar cell silicon purification, ironmaking, steel secondary refining, copper smelting, metal extraction from low-grade complexed ores, and waste treatment, etc. His research activities also extend to the development of high-strength and high-end specials steels by sophisticated control of second phase particles. Along with the research, he is also good at materials characterization by operating the analytical facilities of SEM, EPMA, TEM, XRD, ICP, etc.

His current research interests span the decarburization of ironmaking and steelmaking with hydrogen metallurgy and lower CO2 emission technologies in the metallurgical sector and high temperature processing of critical minerals, aiming to bridge the gap between conventional metal production and the emerging circular, sustainable economy..