Center for Advanced Materials, Contribution to "Research for the Future" Rd Map at Qatar University The Journey from 2008 to 2015

"Research for the future" is the roadmap of research at Qatar University for 2014-2019 [i]. It identifies the research priority themes based on Qatar's needs and on National Development Strategy 2011-2016. The following themes are the research priorities of Qatar University 1) Energy, Environment and Resource Sustainability, 2) Social Change and Identity, 3) Population, Health and Wellness and 4) Information and Communication Technologies. This strategy is also aligned with the Qatar National Research Strategy 2012 with a vision for Qatar to be a leading center for research and development excellence and innovation [ii]. Materials Science is the heart of economic growth as it is related to all areas of energy, environment and sustainability. This presentation will show the Center for Advanced Material (CAM) as a leading model for theme number one "Energy, Environment and Resource Sustainability". CAM has grown from a small unit with five people in 2008 to a state-of-the-art center that has more than fifty-five members in 2015 working in various leading projects, this includes a high contribution of female scientists. This number does not include the students, short period visitors and daily visiting QU members. Examples of current research projects in the Materials Science and Nanotechnology subtheme will be presented. This will include research done in collaboration with the industry, mainly local oil and gas industries, and international institutes around the world. Projects such as corrosion protections, energy conservations techniques, medical application and sustainable materials are some examples. Emphasis will be made on emerging trends in technology to manipulate the atoms at the nano level for various technology applications. These improvements in this small scale can lead to improvement in the performance of traditional materials to reduce the energy consumption and cost. The state-of-the-art equipment and high quality accredited labs will also be shown. The presentation will explain a wide range of equipment in synthesis, processing and characterization stages. Graduate and undergraduate students' involvement in the activities as part of their courses, thesis dissertations or working as RAs in projects will be shown. Scientific trips to external institutes and industry as well as continuous exposure of the students to the local industry improved their learning abilities. The presentation will also show selected projects contributing to the other themes, especially in the Health and Wellness. This will include new synthesized nanoparticles that can fight the diseases such as cancer and new biomedical nanofibres for medical applications. Social Change and Identity is another priority that CAM is contributing through many leading projects such as the WISE 2015 wining project AlBairaq and the archeology studies in collaboration with the Qatar Museum Authorities.qscienc

TiO2 nanotubes and mesoporous silica as containers in self-healing epoxy coatings

The potential of inorganic nanomaterials as reservoirs for healing agents is presented here. Mesoporous silica (SBA-15) and TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) were synthesized. Both epoxy-encapsulated TiO2 nanotubes and amine-immobilized mesoporous silica were incorporated into epoxy and subsequently coated on a carbon steel substrate. The encapsulated TiO2 nanotubes was quantitatively estimated using a ‘dead pore ratio’ calculation. The morphology of the composite coating was studied in detail using transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis. The self-healing ability of the coating was monitored using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS); the coating recovered 57% of its anticorrosive property in 5 days. The self-healing of the scratch on the coating was monitored using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results confirmed that the epoxy pre-polymer was slowly released into the crack. The released epoxy pre-polymer came into contact with the amine immobilized in mesoporous silica and cross-linked to heal the scratch.This paper was made possible by PDRA grant # PDRA1-1216-13014 from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation)

Cytocompatibility and Dielectric Properties of Sr2+ Substituted Nano-Hydroxyapatite for Triggered Drug Release

Hydroxyapatite (Ca5(PO4)3OH) is a well-known bioceramics material used in medical applications because of its ability to form direct chemical bonds with living tissues. In this context, we investigate the biocompatibility and dielectric properties of Sr2+-substituted hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were synthesized by sol-gel method. The influence of strontium on the crystal structure, functional group, morphological, electrical properties, and biocompatibility of as-synthesized nano-hydroxyapatite samples was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Dielectrical properties of the bioactive Sr-HA sample were investigated by a dielectric impedance spectroscopy method. The observed results illustrate the incorporation of Sr2+ ions in the apatite lattice could influence the pure HA properties, by reducing the crystallite size and crystallinity quite consistent with the morphology variation. The ac conductivity (σac) increased with an increasing applied frequency confirmed that prepared HA sample exhibited the universal power law nature. Further, the in vitro drug loading and release studies using doxycycline as a model drug demonstrate that the Sr2+ -HA nanoparticles show high drug adsorption capacity and sustained drug release. Thus, the improved bioceramics system could be a promising candidate for future biomedical applications

Implementing a patient engagement framework in the primary healthcare system in Qatar

The healthcare system in Qatar has acknowledged the need for patient-centered care (PCC) in its strategic intentions. The primary care system in Qatar consists of 31 health centers located throughout the country, managed by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC). PHCC sought accreditation through Accreditation Canada, which in 2018 included a priority for PCC, including engaging patients in all aspects of the organization. A formal patient engagement (PE) framework was developed and fully implemented in the primary health care system. The framework involved patients in strategic and operational aspects of all organizational activities at national and health center levels, including participating in committees and activities such as quality improvement projects. Engaging patients in their own direct care was seen as part of the clinical process by our healthcare professional staff. Development of our patient engagement framework included recruiting a significant number of patients, outlining governance for implementation and oversight, documenting all the processes involved, and then implementing the PE framework. The outcomes of implementation of the PE framework include evidence of benefits for the organization, staff, and patient advisors. Although more patients responded to requests to provide feedback on their care, the patient experience data has not shown significant improvement in patients’ perceptions of their care experiences in our health centers as a result of engaging patient at service design level. Our experience demonstrates the intricacy of engaging patients in a healthcare system. Implementation of patient engagement in the clinical care process needs to be given equivalent weight in a patient engagement framework. Experience Framework This article is associated with the Patient, Family & Community Engagement lens of The Beryl Institute Experience Framework (https://theberylinstitute.org/experience-framework/). Access other PXJ articles related to this lens. Access other resources related to this lens

Processing and characterization of polyethylene-based composites

Thermoplastic matrix polymer composites have gained commercial success in the semistructural and structural applications. Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most versatile and widely used thermoplastics in the world because of its excellent properties like toughness, near-zero moisture absorption, excellent chemical inertness, low coefficient of friction, ease of processing and unusual electrical properties. This review is designed for comprehensive source of PE-based polymer composites research, including structure and classification of PE manufacturing/processing techniques for PE composites, and it also described different characterization methods for PE composites. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) characterization methods were used to describe the thermal properties of PE composites. Morphological studies were explained by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) techniques. Rheological properties and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) are also discussed in this review. X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization was described in this review to explain crystallinity in PE composites. Hence, this review offers a comprehensive discussion on processing and characterization of PE-based composites

Investigating the Potential for Standardization of Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) Shutter Molds Designs in Bridge Projects in the UAE

This paper addresses the potential for design standardization of bridge construction moulds as a means to minimize waste and cost. Specifically, the paper looks at the potential for standardizing the design of bridge Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) shutter moulds that typically vary in size and design based on project-specific requirements. Environmental and economic sustainability aspects are addressed using a two-tiered approach views of construction experts were solicited, and production-to-demolition and disposing costs of a sample of completed projects estimated. There appears to be a consensus that there are significant benefits from standardizing the design of the modes including material waste reduction, cost savings, shorter procurement processes and possibly the reuse of shutter moulds. Given the size of the construction sector and its contribution to material and energy consumption and harmful emissions, and non-hazardous waste, the potential savings are significant

Inorganic Porous Materials Based Epoxy Self-Healing Coatings

The long-term stability of protective coating for metal is critically important for structural applications [1, 2]. Self-healing ability extend the service life of protective coatings leading to a significant reduction in maintenance cost for oil and gas pipe lines and structural parts in civil and construction industry. Recently, the self-healing technology based on healing agent loaded containers has been receiving attention [3, 4]. The incorporation of self- healing agent loaded containers into polymer matrix can be carried out using existing blending techniques. Hence, this technology facilitate large-scale application of self-healing materials [5]. Different micro or nano containers has been used for the storage and release of self-healing agents upon specific corrosion triggering conditions (e.g. on pH change) or upon mechanical damage [6]. Polymer capsules, polymer nanofibers, hollow glass bubbles, hollow glass fibers etc. were used by the researchers to load the healing agent inside their cavity. The inorganic particles with nano cavity offers large surface area, high pore volume and good stability favorable for the storage of the healing agents. Moreover, the usage of inorganic nanomaterials as reservoirs for healing agent can eliminate the tedious encapsulation process. The present study aims to use inorganic nanotubes and mesoporous silica as containers for healing agents in epoxy coating. The ability of Halloysite nanotubes (HNT), titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotube and mesoporous silica to load and release the healing agents are investigated and compared their performance. Among them, Halloysite nanotubes are naturally occurring clay mineral. Meanwhile, TiO2 nanotube and mesoporous silica are synthesised in laboratory and characterised using scanning electron microscopic (SEM), transmission electron microscopic (TEM) techniques and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. The morphology of the nanotubes and mesoporous silica are shown in Fig. 1 (in supporting file). In this study, the epoxy pre-polymer and hardener are used as healing agents. Containers loaded with epoxy and hardener can provide a repair system with matching chemical entity with host epoxy coating. Both epoxy encapsulated nanotubes (either Halloysite or TiO2 nanotubes) and amine immobilized mesoporous silica are incorporated into epoxy, followed by the addition of diethylenetriamine curing agent. The mixture is coated on the metal with an average thickness of 300 ?m. The controlled epoxy coatings are also prepared without nanotube and mesoporous silica. Epoxy coating loaded with encapsulated Halloysite nanotubes and immobilized mesoporous silica is abbreviated as 'EP/HNT/SiO2' and the one loaded with encapsulated TiO2 nanotubes and immobilized mesoporous silica is abbreviated as 'EP/ TiO2/SiO2'. The self-healing ability of the scratched coatings is monitored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in definite time intervals for 5 days. Both EIS bode plots and tafel polarization curves are analysed to observe the self-healing ability of the coatings. For the scratched controlled epoxy coating, after an immersion time of 24 hours, the impedance curve drop to its minimum value over the entire frequency range and on further immersion period the impedance curve remains its minimum value. However, in the case of self-healing coatings, the initially declined impedance value recovers in successive days. The recovery in low frequency impedance values (at 0.01 Hz), which is a direct reflection of the recovery of corrosion resistance of the coating are evaluated. While EP/TiO2/SiO2 coating recovered 57% of its anticorrosive property, the EP/HNT/SiO2 coating recovered only 0.026%. This results suggest that the nature of the nanotubes affect the amount and rate of healing agent released into the scratched area from the tube lumen which itself affect the self-healing ability of the coating. SEM is also used to observe the healed scratches on the coatings. After 96 hours of immersion in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, the scratches in EP/TiO2/SiO2 self-healing coatings are found to be almost covered. The results confirm the effective self-healing ability of the EP/TiO2/SiO2 coating in which the released epoxy pre-polymer from nanotube lumen get contact with the amine hardener immobilized in mesoporous silica and cross-link to cover the scratch. Acknowledgment: This abstract was made possible by PDRA grant # PDRA1-1216-13014 from the Qatar national research fund (a member of Qatar foundation).qscienc

Is it the time for Hepatitis E virus (HEV) Testing for Blood Donors in Qatar?

HEV is the etiologic agent of acute hepatitis E. Although HEV usually causes a self-limiting infection, the disease may develop into a chronic or fulminant form of Hepatitis. Sporadic HEV infections spread in several developed countries; however, outbreaks usually occur in regions where sanitation is low, in particular, in developing countries where water flooding frequently occurs. In addition, religious background, life style, hygienic practices, and the economic status have been linked to HEV infection. Fecal-oral is the established route of transmission, however, infections through blood transfusion were recently documented in many developed and developing countries. This recent finding raises the question: is there is a need for HEV screening prior transfusion or transplantation? Studies related to this issue, in the Middle East are scarce. Although the CDC HEV epidemiological map, classifies the Arabian Gulf countries including Qatar as endemic or highly endemic, to the best of our knowledge, no HEV population –based epidemiological study were conducted in Qatar. HEV infection is usually detected using IgM and IgG serological tests and confirmed by molecular tests for detection of viral RNA. Yet, commercially available HEV serological kits are not validated, and needs further investigation

Curing enhancement and network effects in multi-walled carbon nanotube-filled vulcanized natural rubber: evidence for solvent sensing

Electrically and thermally conductive polymer composites offer great possibilities in various electronic fields because of their low weight and ease of processing. This paper addresses the curing behaviour and network properties of conducting multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-reinforced natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites, emphasizing the sensing and diffusion performances. NR/MWCNT composites were prepared following a special master batch technique which allows the appropriate distribution of nanotubes within the elastomer. The sensing responses of the composites towards solvents were observed as variations in electrical resistance. Thermal resistance and glass transition behaviour were examined and correlated with the swelling measurements as evidence for solvent sensing. An optimum level of 3 phr of MWCNTs is understood to lead to the best properties for the NR/MWCNT composites. Finally, the structural morphology and interfacial interactions were found to have correlations with cure reactions, glass transition temperatures and sensing responses of all compositions.This work has been supported by the University Grants Commission-Department of Atomic Energy (UGC-DAE) Consortium for Scientific Research (project no. CRS-K-01/16), Government of India. The authors are also grateful to NPRP grant 6-282-2-119 from the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF, a member of Qatar Foundation).Scopu

Antimicrobial Modification of LDPE Using Non-thermal Plasma

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) represents polymer having good chemical and physical characteristics for which it is widely used in many applications, such as biomedical and food packaging industry. This polymer excels by good transparency, flexibility, low weight and cost which makes it suitable material compared to non-polymer packaging materials. However, its hydrophobicity cause many limitations for antimicrobial activity which can result in absence of some characteristics required in food packaging applications. For that purpose, some researches have done experiments to modify the polymer surface to increase the surface free energy (hydrophilicity). This can be done by introducing some polar functional groups into the LDPE surface which will permit an increment of its surface free energy and so its wettability or adhesion without any disruption in its bulk properties [1]. One of the most preferable modification techniques is known as non-thermal radio-frequency discharge plasma, and it is preferred technique due to the ability to modify only thin surface layer leading to noticable improvement of the surface properties [2].Moreover, it represents environmentally friendly technique since it does not require the use of any hazardous chemicals or dangerous radiations and therefore non-thermal plasma is highly recommended for food packaging applications [1]. In addition, the surface modification of LDPE can lead to the enhancement of the antimicrobial activity, which was the main purpose of this research. Food packaging materials requires preventing any growth of bacteria, fungal, or any other microbial organisms for health and food safety. Some approved preservatives are commonly used directly in foods to preserve them form microorganisms growth and spoilage. Nowadays, some innovative ways are applied to graft acrylic acid on polymers surfaces [3] for biomedical applications to create an effective layer for an immobilization of antibacterial agents and this results in bacteria prevention on the LDPE surface. In this research, we focused on grafting of sorbic acid as one of the most commonly used preservatives in food and beverage for being safe, and effective in bacteria inhibition (whether pathogenic strains or spoilage kinds), molds, and yeasts [4]. It is also used in cosmetic industries since it has good compatibility with skin and it is easily usable [5]. For the potential enhancement of the antimicrobial efficiency, chitosan representing antimicrobial agent was used for the immobilization on sorbic acid created layer. Chitosan (a derivative of chitin polysaccharide) was chosen as a natural occurring antimicrobial agent (from crabs shrimps, and other sea shells [5]) that has strong and effective antimicrobial activity along with its nontoxicity, biofunctionality, biodegradability, and biocompatibility [6]. In this study, the LDPE surface was modified by several modification steps. The first step involved the modification of the LDPE surface by non-thermal radio-frequency discharge plasma as a radical graft initiator for the subsequently polymerization of sorbic acid containing double bonds. In the next step, grafting of sorbic acid was carried out immediately after plasma treatment allowing the interaction of plasma created radicals on LDPE surface with sorbic acid. Final step was focused on the immobilization of chitosan on grafted sorbic acid platform. Each modification step was analyzed by different analytical techniques and methods to obtain detailed information about the modification process. The surface parameters changes after modification of the LDPE surface, such as surface free energy (contact angles measurements), graft yield (gravimetric measurements) surface morphology (scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy) and chemistry (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance) were obtained allowing understanding the modification process.Qscienc