Materials Matter - Qatar University

3rd Issue
Spring 2015
Materials Matter
Center For Advanced Material
(CAM)
Qatar University
1
Materials Matters Newsletter
3rd Issue Content
Welcome Message 3
Interview With Researcher
4
Advisory Committee Third Meeting
5
Boeing Activities with Qatar University 2014-2015
6
Annual Research Conference ARC 14 7
Annual Aluminium Symposium 8
Current Research
9
Facility: Thermal conductivity
16
Academic Seminars
17
Training Courses
19
Al-Bairaq: Iam Researcher
20
Al-Bairaq: Iam Discovering Materials
22
List of publication
24
2
Welcome Message
W
elcome to the third edition of newsletter
of CAM (Materials Matter). The Materials
Matter is intended to provide you with
up to date information regarding the Center for
Advanced Materials (CAM) research and events.
CAM works under Qatar University’s Office of Vice
President for Research.
This edition is packed with detailed information
regarding CAM events and current research, in
addition to an exciting interview with Prof. Andriaan
Stephanus Luyt. CAM continues to expand its
research profile both nationally and internationally
through ground breaking research such as development of low-cost CIS solar cell, self-healing
coating for erosion, new concrete product from
municipal waste, intelligent material from petro-chemicals, plastic heat absorbers for energy
management, and improvements in Tetra Pak
production. The CAM Advising Committee met
in November to review its activities and provided
input about future endeavors. CAM continues
to strengthen partnerships with industry leaders
such as the partnership with Boeing was reviewed
at the top level with the view to facilitate new research.
CAM participated in the following local ARC conference organized by Qatar Foundation as well
the Aluminum Symposium cosponsored by Qatalum and MEMA as well as many other international
conferences. Furthermore, in order to facilitate
high profile research, CAM constantly upgrades
its facilities and provides special training to its
researchers. In 2014, CAM hosted a training
Hot Disk used to measure thermal diffusivity, in
addition to providing the researchers and faculty
members with opportunity to attend academic
seminar and training courses. CAM also engaged
future researcher of Qatar by continuing to support
Al Bairaq: I am Researcher program. Lastly, you
will find a comprehensive list of our publication at
the end of the newsletter.
3
Prof. Andriaan Stephanus Luyt
Researcher Associate Professor in Center for Advanced Material
What kind of research are you working on and how
important is this research for the society? At CAM
I’m running a research project on the crystallization
behaviour and kinetics of biodegradable polymers
in their blends with each other, and in the same
blends containing different amounts of inorganic
nanoparticles. Currently we use PLA, PCL and
PHBV with titania nanoparticles, but there are
lots of scope for the use of other biodegradable
polymers and types of nanoparticles. I do,
however, still have students in South Africa
who work on a variety of projects within the
general scope of polymer blends, composites
and nanocomposites. These projects involve,
amongst others, an investigation on the structureproperty relationships and thermal degradation
kinetics of PC and PMMA nanocomposites,
flammability studies of biodegradable polymer
blends, electrospinning of biodegradable polymers
containing nanowhiskers, and photo-induced
dielectric properties of polymers. As far as the
importance for society is concerned, my answer
to the previous question should be considered.
Some of these projects may not be directly
important to society, although the biodegradation
How did you choose CAM in Qatar Uni- of polymers will always be important in view of the
versity (QU)? What do you think about huge environmental problems faced by the world.
the research activities in CAM and QU?
I did not choose CAM or QU – they just crossed What are your plans for the future research?
my way. I do not know too much yet about all the I have submitted three NPRP proposals, and I
research activities at CAM and QU, but I realized have been named as co-LPI or PI in three other
that the center and the university are serious about proposals. I am confident that at least one of
research. I do, however, get the impression that these proposals should be successful. Apart
there is a lot of emphasis on research to address from the already mentioned project, the other
specific practical problems in the country. Although projects concern the preparation of gas separation
this is important, it will not bring QU on par with other membranes from nanoparticle containing bacterial
top universities in the world. There should also be a cellulose (in collaboration with groups in Serbia
certain amount of high-quality fundamental research. and Hungary), and solid state polymerization as
a means to improve the properties of recycled
polyesters (in collaboration with a group in Greece).
Interview
Interview With Researcher
Where are you from? What did you do in your previous position?
II am from South Africa, and I lived for 21 years
in a small town called Harrismith in the beautiful
mountains in the centre of South Africa. There
I worked as a senior professor and assistant
faculty dean at a satellite campus of the University
of the Free State, called the Qwaqwa campus. I
lectured in Physical Chem¬istry to undergraduate
students and various aspects of Polymer Science
to B.Sc. Honors students. I had a research group
that on an an¬nual basis varied between 10 and
15 masters and PhD students and one or two
postdoctoral fellows. This year alone two masters
and three PhD students wrote up their theses that
will be submitted before the end of January 2015.
Why did you decide to come to Qatar?
Dr Mariam offered me this post, and since I was tired
of working 12 hours per day 7 days a week without
much change in my life, I saw the QU offer as a
new challenge that will (hopefully) not take as much
of my time (so that I can also start giving my wife her
rightful share). I hope I can contribute something to
CAM and QU during the time I shall spend here.
4
News
Advisory Committee Third Meeting
T
he third meeting of the Center for advance material (CAM) Industrial Advisory Commit¬tee (IAC) was
held on 20th November 2014 at the Research Complex of Qatar University. The meeting was attended by the representative of industrial sector and the members of the academia. The objective
of the meeting is to review the latest achievements of last meeting and discuss the new proposals which
are resolve industrial issues.
The president of Qatar University Dr. Shaikha Al Misnad, the vice president for Research Dr. Hassan
Al-Derham, and Dr. Hayya Al-thani were the gusts. IAC members divided into CAM‘s researchers and
other external major company and government sectors.The Chairman of the committee Mr. Hamad Al
Nuaimi (Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Vinyl Company) and the industrial members are Nasser Jeham Al-Kuwari (Chief Executive Officer of QAFAC), Ahmed Ibrahim Al-Emadi (Chief Executive Officer
of Q-Chem), Shaikha Amna Al-Thani (Director of Qatar National Museum), Col. Abdul Hamid Al Shaikh
(Quality Manager of Qatar Armed Forces), and Mr. Khalid Laram (Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Qatalum).
Prof. Mariam Al-Maadeed greeted the members of the committee and introduced the new member, After
that Mr. Hamad Al Nuaimi stated proudly listing the benefits and achievements of the committee in his
welcome note. He metaphorically described the progress of the committee by saying: “we were looking
at the plan, but now we are living in the plan”. He also highlighted that CAM with its latest technology
equipment is in line with the role of the committee as a link between academic and Industry.
Then Prof. Shaikha Al Misnad stated that CAM is the oldest research center in Qatar University. In 2001,
it was just a research unit, and now it’s one of the biggest research centres in Qatar. She also stressed
the fact that IAC members’ contribution gives CAM more credibility. Prof.Al-Maadeed introduced the
agenda of the meeting fol¬lowed by a brief explanation of CAM strategic plan, current research projects,
workshops, consultation and services, and the laboratory facilities. This was followed by an open discussion regarding research collaboration between industry and CAM where new consultation are needed. The committee members discussed the major pro-environment project, which aimed “zero liquid
discharge” of treated wastewater by end-2016. Furthermore, how this project can enhanced by CAM
researchers.
The open discussion was included the opportunity of having research collaboration between industry
and CAM also new consultation will apply. The committee members discussed the major pro-environment project, which aimed “zero liquid discharge” of treated wastewater by end-2016 and how they can
become approach to this objective with supports of CAM’s researchers.
5
News
Boeing Activities with Qatar University
2014-2015
Jeffrey Johnson
Vice President, Boeing International
President, Boeing Middle East Region
Raj Talwar
Technology Director at Boeing Research
and Technology
M
any partnership activities and plans are reviewed between Mr. Jeff Johnson President of Boeing Middle East and Prof. Sheikha Al-Missnad, the President of Qatar University. In 2014-2015
Boeing deepened their commitment to supporting Qatar University and the National Vision
2030 by building links with the University’s Department of Computer Science as well as with Centre for
Advanced Materials (CAM).
In November, Boeing was pleased to support the ACS/IEEE International Conference on Computer
System and applications, organized by your Computer Science faculty. Steven Whitlock, Boeing’s Chief
Technologist of Information security Solution, gave a presentation at the meeting on cyber-security which
was well received.
In the same month, Mr. Raj Talwar, a Boeing Technology Director, gave a presentation on the use of
metallic materials in aerospace manufacturing to the CAM faculty. Also he gave a similar presentation
at the Aluminium Week symposium, which was co-sponsored by CAM. In addition, Boeing will send a
speaker for Material Science Department at next spring. The speaker will be Mr. Bill Lyons the Director
of Global Research and Development Strategy. This will strengthen the partnership with Qatar University
and Boeing.
6
Events
Annual Research Conference ARC 14
A
RC’14, Qatar Foundation Research and Development’s flagship conference, builds on
nationwide efforts to advance Qatar’s ambitious research agenda. It provides a unique platform
to activate multidisciplinary knowledge sharing and
collaboration needed to tackle the most pressing
national challenges in research, as well as bolster
Qatar’s research and development sector. Held
under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza
bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for
Education, Science and Community Development,
ARC’14 brought together international scientists,
researchers and subject matter experts along with
members of Qatar’s research community, academia,
industry, public and private organizations and professional societies.
Online source: www.qf-arc.org/arc14
CAM’s staff with Qatalum reprehensive meet in ARC-14
7
Events
Annual Aluminium Symposium
The students winners for the Aluminum Reduce CO2 Footprint competition
A
day-long symposium was hosted at Qatar Science and Technology on December 10th to
address the topic of challenges of materials in 21st century and focus in the Aluminum. The
symposium attracted many delegates from different sectors such as Oil and Gas, Automotive,
Industrial, Government and Academia. Co-hosts were Hydro Aluminum, Qatalum and Centre for Advanced Materials (CAM). Qatar University strive to build a long term cooperation with industry to develop
best practice of aluminum production and research as a part of Qatar national vision 2030.The symposium included two session related the aluminum in oil and gas maritime sector and aluminum usage in
the industrial sector. The last session was the panel discussion on the growth of aluminum and involves
the material future. The following day as the part of the symposium, winners of “Aluminum Reduce CO2
Footprint” competition were announced. The competition was sponsored by Qatalum and Hydro, in cooperation with Centre of Advance Material, Qatar University.
8
Dr. Aboubakr Abdullahresearch group
Development of Low Cost, Efficient CIS (Copper,
Indium, and Sulfide) Solar Cell
Research
Current Research
I
ncreased need for energy represents currently a major challenge world; while
we are faced with the continu¬ous depletion of fossil fuel reserves, the increase in pollution and climate change associated with emission of greenhouse gases demands we look for alternative energy
sources. Solar cell is being increasingly recognized as part of the solution to the growing ener¬gy challenge and an essential component of future global energy production. Provided that solar cell can be
made truly economical¬ly competitive with fossil fuels, large-scale manufacturing of these devices offers
a path¬way to sustainable energy source that could supply a significant fraction of our needs. The conversion efficiency of conventional silicon-based solar cells reached up to 24%. However, due to the high
temperature fabrication processes and large amounts of pure silicon needed, produc¬tion costs remain
very high.
Chalcopyrite offers high conversion efficiency obtained with thin films, an excellent stability, radiation
hardness and a competitive project¬ed production costs. Conversion efficiencies exceeding 19% was
achieved for Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS)-based solar cells using CdS as a buffer layer.
CuInS2 has a number of additional potential advantages in comparison with the more wide¬ly investigated selenium containing chalcopy¬rite’s. These include
the significantly reduced toxicity and the fact that it
can be prepared by simple, fast, sequential (two-step)
processes.The most common methods to prepare
these films in large areas consist of the sputtering/sulfurization technique that some industries are using to
prepare solar cells.
Photovoltaic: Solar Cell Structure
9
F
irst of all what is self-heal¬ing coatings, we have to first define what
is the function of the coatings? The main function of coatings is the
Research
Development of Self-healing Coatings
for Corrosion Protection in Qatar
protection of an underlying substrate against an environ¬ment-in-
duced corrosion attack. However, de¬fects appear in the organic protective
coating during the exploitation of the coated struc¬tures opening a direct
access for corrosive agents to the metallic. Therefore, an active “self-healing” of defects in coatings is neces¬sary in order to provide long-term protection. Self-healing polymers are polymer compos¬ites with the capability
to heal damage auto¬matically. A microcapsule based self-healing coating
is proposed. Microcapsules filled with a liquid healing agent will be added to the coating before it is
applied to the substrate. If a crack takes place through the coatings, the microcapsules will be ruptured;
allowing the healing agent to flow into the crack plane and polymerization of the healing agent oc¬curs
and heal itself to prevent the corrosion of the substrate during the healing process.
SEM of urea-formaldehyde microcapsules containing a) linseed oil b) Tung oil.
10
W
e have succeeded as a team project to prepare microcapsules containing different types of
self-healing agents as dicyclopentadiene, Tung oil and linseed oil. Self-healing and corrosion
Research
Achievement of Self-healing Coatings project
inhibition efficiency for Tung oil and linseed oil have been examined by different techniques and
they showed a good result. In addition, we prepared urea-formaldehyde microcapsules containing paraffin oil
as a phase change material and urea-formaldehyde microcapsules containing linalyl acetate a biocide agent.
Time
(a) Control specimen
b) Linseed oil
c) Tung oil
2h
24h
48h
Corrosion test results for mild steel coated with a) epoxy coating without microcapsules, b) epoxy coating with microcapsules containing linseed oil c) epoxy coating with microcapsules containing Tung oil.
The specimens were immersed in 3.5% NaCl solution for 2h, 24h and 48h.
11
D
r. Nesibe from CAM and Dr. Joseph from
and urbanization for the 2022 World Cup. This
University of Leeds are in collaboration
could become one of the most pressing problems
for an international research project to
in Qatar in the near future and needs to be han-
develop new concrete products using the ingredi-
Research
Develop new concrete products using the
ingredients from materials found in the
Qatar municipal wastes
dled with care now.
ents from the throwaway materials often found in
the Qatar municipal wastes.
Dr. Nesibe’s research team visited the Domestic Solid Waste Management Center (DSWMC)
and Doha Plastic Company to collect solid waste
NPRP 6-1010-2-413 “Advanced photo-stress
materials that can be incorporated into concrete
analysis tomography (PSAT) based investigations
products. These wastes have been analyzing in
for evaluating strength characteristics of composite
the CAM laboratory to determine their characteris-
beams reinforced with materials from Qatar munic-
tics.
ipal related wastes”
Polymeric wastes constitute a significant portion
of municipal wastes in Qatar; therefore utilization
of these polymeric wastes as raw materials in new
engineering products is very important and beneficial both for environment and economy of Qatar.
Qatar’s waste generation rate is one of the highest
“Public awareness should be increased in Qatar
rates in the world and is expected to peak in the
for recycling and reuse, as well as waste genera-
upcoming years due to expat population growth
tion reduction” says Dr. Deniz and Mr. Abib”.
12
Activities of Prof. Igor Krupa research group
These activities are a part of the project “Improvement of Tetra Pak containers production by plasma dis-
Research
Intelligent materials based on the Qatari
petrochemical products for food packaging
applications
charge“, UREP 15-071-2-025
P
olyolefins, particularly polyethylene belong
parence, coloring or antifogging character become
among the most widely used polymers
among other requirements of customers. The great
in many applications, such in packaging,
challenge is that smart future package materials
building and the transport industry. Qatar is one of
should be also able to interact with the users to
the greatest producers of polyethylene in the word.
give them as much information about the actual
A combination of polyolefins with other materials in-
state of product quality as possible. Last but not
cluding metals leads to an improvement of various
least, the price of such packaging should be ap-
properties. The typical example is a laminate made
propriate which implies the requirement for simple
from polyethylene and aluminum foil predomi-
processing, utilizing common technological routes
nantly used in drinks and food (flexible packaging)
in plastic industry as well as the use of inexpensive
industries. The key problem is how to improve
and ecologically friendly compounds.
adhesion between both substrates. We introduced
and tested a few methods for the materials surface
treatment including chemical as well as physical
approaches, like plasma treatment. The treated
materials were characterized by various optical,
spectroscopic, surface and mechanical methods.
On the other hand packaging of the future should
not only safely contain food products but also
The project is a part of planned long term coop-
insure their complex protection and monitoring.
eration between CAM and QAPCO focused on
Among the most essential requirements belongs
the complex modifications of QAPCO products for
antibacterial character of the packaging, controlled
large scale, widely used applications in packaging
water and oxygen permeability and thermal protec-
as well as medical applications.
tion. Esthetical performance represented by trans-
13
Activities of Prof. Igor Krupa research group
These activities are a part of the project “New Phase Change Materials with Improved Heat Transfer Properties”, NPRP No. : 4 - 465 - 2 - 173
B
uilding sector is extremelly developing
ent types of polymers to stabilize these materials.
in Qatar. However, it consumes a large
PCMs have a unique property, namely, they start
portion of energy, particularly from fosil
to melt at elevated temperatures, energy is used
sources. It was estimated that buildings account
for melting versus heating, and the temperature of
for up to 40% of global energy use what leads to
the material remains constant. The use of poly-
the significantly high CO2 emmisions that must
mers in PCMs helps these composites to maintain
be reduced. A portion of this reduction could be
a permanent shape.
achieved by improving building materials to reduce
Researchers from Center for Advanced Materials
energy consumption. The search of new buildings
under QNRF support and with the cooperation
materials is a part of a new, general conception
with Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO) as
called Bioclimatic architecture . It is an architec-
well as with international partners develop the ma-
ture which has a connection with nature. It is
terials from local products that are climate suitable
about buildings design that takes into account
and achieve thermal comfort.
Research
Development of plastic heat absorbers for effective energy management in bioclimatic buildings
the climate and environmental conditions to favor
thermal comfort inside. Basic elements of bioclimatic design are passive solar systems which
are incorporated onto buildings and utilize environmental sources (for example, sun, air, wind,)
for heating, cooling and lighting the buildings.
This project is focused on preparing new Phase
change Materials (PCMs) which can be used in
many applications such as the passive heating
The behavior of PCM material under cold and
or cooling of buildings to save energy. Material
heat environment.
designs are based on blending paraffin with differ-
14
Dr. Anton Popelka research group
T
his project is focused on the improve-
increase of wettability can be achieved. Plasma
ment of adhesive properties of polyethyl-
discharge represents a good choice for obtain-
ene (PE) and aluminum (Al). PE belongs
ing this demand because plasma represents an
among the most widely used polymers in many
effective, dry, eco-friendly process of the surface
applications, such in packaging, building, or trans-
treatment with high efficiency.
Research
Improvement of Tetra Pak containers
production by plasma discharge
port industries. A combination of PE with other
materials including metals, such as Al can lead to
an improvement of various properties. This combination is often used in a laminate made from PE
and Al foil, predominantly used in drinks and food
(flexible packaging) industries. The typical example
of this is Tetra Pak container accompanying our
daily life. PE is responsible for heat-sealing properties whereas Al excels by barrier properties. In the
Tetra Pak container preparation the main accent
is giving on adhesion between these materials.
Hydrophobic character of PE can often lead to the
separation of PE-Al layers and the fluid inside Tetra
Pak can penetrate to other layers and leak out.
On the other hand, Al can contaminant fluid and
can make the expiration date shorter. Al contains
some oxygen compounds in top layer which can
Dr. Anton is labeling the samples
be responsible for the deterioration of wettability
too. This deficient can be removed by an appropriate surface modification of PE and Al by which the
15
T
hermal properties as thermal conductiv-
insulating) and moreover a third important param-
ity and thermal diffusivity measurements
eter, specific heat capacity, might be obtained.
can be determined by fast and accurate
Adding to this dexterity the wide temperature
constituted method of Hot disk. For modern ma-
range covered by the standard Hot Disk meas-
terials and composites even with different degrees
urement system, currently spanning -150°C to
of anisotropy in the structure, or different degrees
1 200°C, the result is a uniquely comprehensive
of porosity, as well as for other challenging sam-
instrument.
Facilites
Thermal conductivity
The CAM hosted training by trainer Dr. Bijan
Adl-Zarrabi from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden on special method on Transient Plan
Source (TPS) for investigation and determination
of accurate and fast thermal conductivity and
thermal diffusivity measurements by Hot Disk. The
development of new types of materials is in high
demand and by trained technique introduced by
ple structures or sample geometry, the Hot Disk
technique is preferred tool for measuring consistent thermal transport properties data. With the
special TPS sensors it has lately become possible
to measure samples with a conductivity as low as
0.005 W/(mK) and as high as 1200 W/(mK) with
high sensitivity in a wide range of temperatures
and in many different environments. The flexibility
of the technique makes it an incomparable research tool with which to study liquids, pastes,
solids and powders (electrically conducting or
Dr. Adl-Zrrabi will provide the mandated values
for thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity you
need, without the influence of thermal contact
resistance, extensive sample preparation and
prolonged measurement times. Two days course
showed advantageous of TPS technology over
current used methods on determination of heat
transfer values and its variability on different type
of materials. Training course provided opportunity
to hands on practice on hot disk instrument based
on TPS technology.
16
Techniques and Solutions for Energy Reduction on Process Plants by Martin Gough, Managing Director of CALGAVIN Ltd
Seminars
Academic Seminars
Functional Hybrid Structures of Semiconductor and Metal Nanocrystals by Andrey L.
17
Seminars
Academic Seminars
Development of a novel, environmentally compliant magnesium coating system for
corrosion protection of magnesium alloys by Dr. Elizabeth
Sikora
Prof. Ahmed Galal speaks
in CAM seminar Tailor-designed surfaces at the nano-scale for high catalytic
efficiency and selectivity”Looking at the interface”
Why is it difficult to process
materials in particulate form?
New scientific understandings
from multi-scale experiments
and simulations by Dr. S. Joseph Antony
18
Introduction to Materials Science and Technology Workshop
Training
Training Courses
This training consisted of two sessions: lectures and lab workshops.
The trainers had covered different
topics on material science.
Gas Turbine Basics course
The training was introduced the basics of gas turbine and how it’s related to local industry.
Dr. Darwish Al-Emadi gave the trainee the certificates and encourages them to attend Qatar university
19
T
he award ceremony on October 29 followed the presentation of high school students’ projects
in front of a panel of judges comprising several heads and directors of leading organizations in
Al-Bairaq
I am a Researcher
8th Cycle
Qatar, CAM faculty, representatives of Al Bairaq’s sponsors, and a large number of Grade 12
students from various high schools in Qatar.
Al Bairaq is supported by UNESCO Doha Office (partner), RasGas (platinum sponsor), Maersk Oil Qatar
(gold sponsor) and Shell Qatar (silver sponsor).Group Quluwa from Omar Bin Al Khattab School comprising Abdullah Al Mohannadi, Abdullah Al Haroon and Abdullah Al-Marri won 1st place with their project “Manufacture of Low-cost CIS Solar Cells”. The group also won for Best Documentary Film entitled
“Our Solar Cell” and for “Most Popular Group on Social Media”.
In 2nd place was Group Al Dana, comprising Ahmad Jassim, Mohammed Al-Hajri, and Abdullah Alsulaiti from Tareq Bin Ziad School who presented “Preparation and Characterization of Microcapsules
Containing Linseed Oil and its use in Self-Healing Coatings”. Group Al Hasbah comprising Fatma
Al-Siddiqi and Maryam Hamed Alyafei from Al Arqam Academy was 3rd place winner. CAM Director Dr
Mariam Al-Maadeed thanked the sponsors and partners for their support and stressed the importance
of the Program in building a generation capable of research and development towards achieving Qatar
National Vision 2030.
RasGas Head of National Development Mr Thamer AlKaabi said: “RasGas is proud to sponsor for Al
Bairaq for the third consecutive year this year as it builds on our commitment for capacity building,
national development and quality Qatarization. Al Bairaq provides a unique platform for engaging Qatari
secondary students in fields which are critical for the long-term development of their future educational
and professional careers”.
20
Maersk Oil Qatar Deputy Managing Director Sheikh Faisal bin Fahad Al-Thani said: “Maersk Oil Qatar
is proud to partner with Qatar University with our sponsorship of Al-Bairaq. The scientific and technical
Al-Bairaq
I am a Researcher
8th Cycle
education for students together with a focus on research and innovation are closely aligned with our
commitment to building the skills and capacity in future generations equipped to deliver a strong, diversified and healthy knowledge economy in Qatar”.
Qatar Shell Research and Technology Center University Collaboration Manager Maha Al-Mannai said:
“By sponsoring the Al Bairaq Program and the eighth season of ‘I am a researcher’, Qatar Shell continues to demonstrate its commitment to Qatar University, while engaging in the transfer of knowledge and
sharing of best practices with the country’s student population”.
The judges of final events encourage students for their future studies.
UNESCO Doha Office Education Programme Specialist Dr Faryal Khan said: “Al Bairaq offers a vibrant
platform to potential young scientists – girls and boys alike – to explore a career in science. It plants a
seed in their young minds to help make choices in pursuing a scientific career. Other countries in the
region can learn important lessons from the Al Bairaq experience at Qatar University. UNESCO is proud
to be a partner in this important initiative.
Al-Bairaq supervisor Dr Noora Al-Thani stated that the program was able to create an innovative
eco-system, encouraging the students in the love of science and research and development.
The ceremony also awarded winners in the Art in Science competition Eqmash, Omar Bin Al Khattab
School; Instagram competition Al Fas, Omar Bin Abdulaziz School; Most Active Group on Social Media
Al Dana, Tareq Bin Ziad School. CAM associate researcher Dr Aboubakr Abdullah was named Best
Professor while Ms Eman Hassan from Al Arqam Academy was named Most Cooperative Teacher.
21
Q
atar University held an award ceremony for the winning students of the “I am Discovering
Materials” 8th cycle within the Al-Bairaq project on Tuesday December 9th, 2014 at QU Ibn
Al-Bairaq
I am a Discovering Materials
8th Cycle
Khaldoun Hall. 430 students from independent and private schools across the State of Qa-
tar took part in the contest under the supervision of a jury panel composed of chairmen and heads of
Qatar’s largest firms in the market.Al-Bairaq is one of QU’s joint projects with the UNESCO Doha Office
in cooperation with Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. It is sponsored by
a number of education partners, namely RasGas Company (platinum sponsor), Maersk Oil Qatar (gold
sponsor), and Shell Qatar (silver sponsor).The “Best Presentation” award went to the “Gold Group” of
Al-Khor Secondary Independent School for Girls, while “Steel Group” of Ahmad Bin Hanbal Secondary
Independent School for Boys won the “Best Product” competition. 1st rank winners of the other competitions were as follows:
•
Best Artistic Picture on Flicker: “Dalton Group” of Al-Khor Secondary Independent School for
Girls.
•
Best Twitter award: “Iron Group” of Al-Khor Secondary Independent School for Girls.
•
1st active group: “Stars Group” of Arwa Bint Abd-al-Mutalib School for Girls.
•
1st popular group: The “Development Group” of Al-Shamal Independent School for Girls.
•
Best participant school of “I am Discovering Materials” 8th cycle: Al-Shamal Independent School
for Girls.
Students are doing the activity in the lab and approach the science behind the experiments
22
A
l-Bairaq is a non-lucrative, non-traditional educational project carried out by the Center for Advanced Materials (CAM) at Qatar University, where students in Qatari secondary schools work
Al-Bairaq
I am a Discovering Materials
8th Cycle
in teams with highly exquisite university-level scientists. The objective behind the Al-Bairaq
project is to help high school students acquire research values, skills, and ethics; as well as develop
self-reliance, self-confidence, and expanded visions of their own roles in the scientific community. Al
Bairaq World transforms education by providing professional-level experiences for students and invests
in their personal development, the economic development of Qatar, and global needs for new scientists
and a scientifically literate population.
Students are sharing their research and activity by presentation and product.
Partner
Partner
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Sliver Sponsor
Al-Bairaq sponsors logos
23
List of Publication
1.Igor Krupa, Zuzana Nogellova, Zdenko Spitalsky, Ivica Janigova, Bojana Boh, Bostjan Sumiga, Angela
Kleinova, Mustapha Karkri, Mariam A. Al Maadeed, “Phase change materials based on high-density polyethylene filled with microencapsulated paraffin wax”, Energy Conversion and Management, 87, 400-409
(2014) IF=3.59
2.Kishor Kumar Sadasivuni, Deepalekshmi Ponnamma, Peter Kasak, Igor Krupa, Mariam Ali S A AlMaadeed, “Design dual phase sensing materials from polyaniline filled styrene-isoprene-styrene composites”, Materials Chemistry and Physics, 157, 1029-1036 (2014) IF=2.129
3.Ilčíková, M., Mosnáček, J. , Mrlík, M., Sedláček, T., Csomorová, K., Czaniková, K., Krupa, I., Influence
of surface modification of carbon nanotubes on interactions with polystyrene-b-polyisoprene-b-polystyrene matrix and its photo-actuation properties, Polymers for Advanced Technologies, 25, 1293-1300
(2014) IF=1.964
4.Igor Krupa, Martin Prostredný, Zdenko Špitalský, Juraj Krajči, Mariam A. AlMaadeed, Electrically conductive composites based on an elastomeric matrix filled with expanded graphite as a potential oil sensing materials, Smart Materials and Structures, 23, 125020 (2014) IF=2.449
5.S. Soreto Taxeira, M.P.F. Graca, M. Dionisio, M. Ilcikova, J. Mosnacek, Z. Spitalsky, I. Krupa, L.C. Costa, Self-standing elastomeric composites based on litium ferrites and thei dielectrical behavior, Journal of
Applied Physics, 116, 224102-1-8 (2014) IF=2.185
6.E.M. Fayyad, M.A. Almaadeed, A. Jones and A.M. Abdullah Evaluation Techniques for the Corrosion
Resistance of Self-healing Coatings. Int. J. Electrochem. Sci., 9 (2014) 4989-5011.
7.M.J. Al Marri, E.M. Fayyad, A. Hassan and M.M. Khader Mechanism of GaAs Surface Sulfidation. Int.
J. Electrochem. Sci., 9 (2014) 7287-7299.
8.J. Filip, P. Kasak, J. Tkáč “Graphene-based detection mechanisms applied in amperometric biosensors”, Chem. Papers, 2015, 69, 112-133. DOI: 10.1515/chempap-2015-0051. IF = 1.193
9.L. Klukova, T Bertok, M. Petrikova, A. Sediva, D. Mislovicova, J. Katrlik, A. Vikartovska, P. Kasak, A.
Andicsová-Eckstein, J. Mosnáček, J.Rovenský, R. Imrich, J. Tkac “Glycoprofiling as a novel tool in serological assays of systemic sclerosis: A comparative study” Anal. Chim. Acta. 2015, 853, 555-562. DOI:
10.1016/j.aca.2014.10.029 IF = 4.517
10.P. Jolly, N. Formisano, J. Tkáč, P. Kasák, C. G. Frost, P. Estrela “Label-Free Impedimetric Prostate
Cancer Aptasensor with Antifouling Surface Chemistry.” Sens. Actuators B: Chem. 2015, 209, 306-312.
doi:10.1016/j.snb.2014.11.083 IF = 3.84
11.LACHHEB, Mohamed – KARKRI, Mustapha – ALBOUCHI, Fethi – BEN NASRALLAH, Sassi – MAGALI, Fois - SOBOLČIAK, Patrik. Thermal properties measurement and heat storage analysis of paraffin/
graphite composite phase change material, Composites: Part B 2014, 66 518–525. (2.6 - IF2014).
12.Okonkwo Paul, A.M.A. Mohamed “Erosion Mechanisms of API X42 and AISI 1018 Steel Materials at
Normal Impact Angle” International Journal of Engineering Science and Innovative Technology, Volume 3,
Issue 5, September. IF= 1.913
13.Y.H. Ahmad, J. Tientong, Mangesh Nar, N. D’Souza, A.M.A. Mohamed, T.D. Golden, “Characterization and Corrosion Resistance of Electrodeposited Ni-Mo-Silicate Platelets Nanocomposite Coatings”
Surf. Coat. Technol. 259 (2014) 517–525. IF 2.1
14. A.M. Abdullah, N.F. Atta, A. Galal, A.A. Afifi, N.A. Younan, A.M.A. Mohamed, “Corrosion Inhibition of
C-Steel Using Supported and Non-Supported Cu Nanoparticles/Benzotriazole”, ECS Transactions, 61
(20) 15-23 (2014). IF: 0.6
15.Okonkwo Paul, A.M.A. Mohamed “Erosion-corrosion in oil and gas industry: A Review” International
Journal of Metallurgical & Materials Science and Engineering, 4(3), 2004, 2278-2516. IF = 2.9
16.Casey R. Thurber, Margaret C. Calhoun, Yahia H. Ahmad, Nandika D’Souza, Adel M.A. Mohamed,
Teresa D. Golden “Electrodeposition of Cu-Ni Incorporated with Layered Silicates for Corrosion Protection” ECS Transactions, 61 (20) 49-60 (2014). IF 0.6
17.S.M. Abd El Haleema , S. Abd El Wanees , A. Bahgat. Environmental factors affecting the corrosion
behaviour of reinforcing steel. VI. Benzotriazole and its derivatives as corrosion inhibitors of steel. Corrosion Science 87 (2014) 321–333. (IF - 3.65)
18.Compatibilizing role of carbon nanotubes in poly(vinyl alcohol)/ starch blend Starch/Stärke 2014, 66,
1–7
19.Effect of graphene loading on thermomechanical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/starch blend, J.
APPL. POLYM. SCI. 2015, 41827 (1 of 8)
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Official Website for Center for Advanced Materials:
http://www.qu.edu.qa/offices/research/CAM/
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