Research Profiles

As inspired by QNRS-HE.2.1*, the aim of this pioneering research is to determine the prevalence of periodontal disease in Qatar, by collecting data available from CNA-Q Dental Hygiene Clinic and HMC Dental Clinics. Periodontal disease is recognized globally as a prevalent disease affecting oral and overall health status of the population, leading to substantial psychological and financial burden on individuals and healthcare system. The findings will guide us in proposing a comprehensive plan to address this significant health challenge and in determining the need for further research. QNRS- HE.2.1: Establish a national translational research center to address nationally significant health challenges

Patients in the ICU who require mechanical ventilation are at risk for complications and adequate setting of alarms is required to minimize adverse events. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of adherence to a hospital departmental guideline on alarm setting in the adult ICU population. An observational prospective study was conducted collecting patient ventilator data and alarm settings. Set alarms were compared to recommended alarm settings, and adherence rates determined. There was significant non-adherence to the Department Guideline on ventilator alarms. This study confirms what other previous studies have reported.

Energy generation leads to generation of waste energy particularly in the form of heat. This heat can be harvested through the use of thermoelectric materials. Thermoelectric materials can produce electrical power from a temperature gradient developed due to waste heat. Therefore, we propose to prepare various inorganic and organic (polymer) based thermoelectric systems to generate voltage from a temperature gradient. Polymer based thermoelectric materials generate voltage from a temperature gradient developed close to human body temperature (37 °C). This proposal aims to train and educate high school students in the multidisciplinary areas of chemistry, polymer science, physics, and materials science.

Antimony trioxide (ATO) is used as flame retardant (FR) in polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based cable and wire insulation formulations. However, ATO is carcinogenic and is also bio-accumulative. To limit the use of toxic ATO in PVC, we propose to explore the possibility of using eco-friendly gallic acid (GA) to coat Aluminum trihydroxide (ATH) particles and use the ATH-GA complex as an alternative to toxic ATO as FR for PVC. GA is a naturally occurring polyphenol, which has good FR properties, and ATH is known to be a FR. ATH-GA is expected to reduce the use of toxic ATO in PVC formulations.

This research project is an extension to Corrosion Atlas Project  which was part of the collaboration agreement “Establishing a Corrosion Atlas for Qatar Petroleum – Phase II Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking (CSCC)” between College of the North Atlantic-Qatar (CNAQ) and Qatar Petroleum”. The objective of the project is to examine the resistance of different corrosion resistant materials to chloride stress corrosion cracking (CSCC). In this project, corroded samples that were exposed to different environmental condition in QP sites will be collected, examined, tested, and corrosion severity will be evaluated. Exposed specimens of 321, 316 L, lean duplex stainless steel, 904 L, 25% Cr alloy, and alloy 825 will be evaluated for time of failure as these alloys were already exposed to the corrosive environment at the QP sites.

In this research three stainless steel alloys commonly used in the oil and gas industry in Qatar will be investigated. The purpose is to perform a comparative study about the corrosivity of the three alloys in sea water. The alloys are 304, 316, and duplex stainless steel. These alloys are very popular in applications that require good corrosion resistance. However, obtaining practical date related to their corrosion resistance in Qatar where the environmental conditions have a great effect on any material properties is very essential for good material selection process.

In this research three stainless steel alloys commonly used in the oil and gas industry in Qatar will be investigated. The purpose is to perform a comparative study about the corrosivity of the three alloys in sea water. The alloys are 304, 316, and duplex stainless steel. These alloys are very popular in applications that require good corrosion resistance. However, obtaining practical date related to their corrosion resistance in Qatar where the environmental conditions have a great effect on any material properties is very essential for good material selection process.