Faculty
Dr. Ahmed A. Abdala
Assistant Professor
Bu Hasa Building, Room 2214
Sas Al Nakhl Campus
Office: +971 2 607 5584
Fax: +971 2 607 5200
Email: aabdala@pi.ac.ae |
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- BS, MS Suez Canal University, Egypt
- MS, PhD North Carolina State, USA
Before joining The Petroleum Institute, I spent two years as assistant professor at Suez Canal University, Egypt. I have also worked as research associate at both the prestigious Princeton University and North Carolina State University. I have published 15 articles in peer-reviewed journals and 10 articles in non-refereed US and international conference proceedings. I also have 3 pending US Patents.
My research interest includes applications of water soluble polymers, polymer rheology, polymer nanocomposites, and electrospinning of nanofibers.
Water soluble polymers are very interesting class of polymers. Their ability to enhance the rheological properties of aqueous solution is very remarkable. This fact with their environmental benign nature makes them the perfect candidate in endless list of applications. My research focuses on the rheology and the potential use of Hydrophobically Modified Alkali Soluble Emulsion (HASE) polymers in enhanced oil recovery applications.
Polymer nanocomposites are lighter, stiffer, less brittle, and more dent- and scratch-resistant than conventional plastics. Some nanocomposites are also more recyclable, more flame retardant, less porous, better conductors of electricity, and can be painted more easily. Polymer nanocomposites have been used instead of plastics to make car parts for the past several years. The exceptional mechanical strength and unique electrical properties of carbon naotube has revolutionized materials science and nanocomposites in particular. During my 2 years at Princeton University, we developed a technique to produce single layer of graphite (atomic thick graphene sheets). Grapheme sheets are expected to also have excellent mechanical and electrical properties and can be used as inexpensive alternative for nanotubes in nanocomposites and other applications. Fabrication and characterization of polymer-graphene sheets nanocomposites is the focus of my research in this area.
Electrospinning of Nanofibers: is a technique used for production of fiber with sub-micron diameter for use in filtration and medical applications. In the electrospinning process a high voltage is used to create an electrically charged jet of polymer solution or melt, which dries or solidifies to leave a polymer fiber. As the world reaches the nano era, demand on production of sub-micron fibers has arisen. Electrospinning of polymer solution have been successful. However, electrospinning of polymer melts has not had much success as of yet. Melt electrospinning of polyolefins is a research challenge that I am currently exploring.
