Syed Qutubuddin - US grants

This project investigates microemulsions; the objective of the research is to improve on the understanding of phase transitions, microstructures, bulk, and interfacial properties and interactions in microemulsions. Pure component systems containing non-tonic, ionic, and zwitterionic surfactants will be investigated using a battery of analytic tools. Techniques to be used include dynamic light scattering and electrochemical methods for diffusion coefficients and, hence, aggregate size, average intensity measurements for the virial coefficients and radius of gyration, electrophoretic light scattering for zeta potential in charge systems, and surface light scattering for interfacial tensions. These measurements will be complemented with necessary phase behavior and analytical studies. The effects of composition, temperature, and pressure will be determined, and correlations will be developed to model the behavior.

This project will explore efficient methods for preparing superconducting oxide powders that are pure, chemically homogenous, and consisting of uniform spherical colloid particles. The PI will systematically study the properties of the final product (superconducting oxides); and, prepare superconducting oxides in forms that can be fashioned into usable shapes.

This award provides for purchase of a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). The instrument permits both quantitative and qualitative analysis of physical or reactive properties of materials as functions of temperature and time. It will be used to provide information to characterize polymers, organic and inorganic chemicals, metals, glass, and ceramics. The instrument will be used in eight separate ongoing projects: (1) Thermal analysis of microemulsions and other surfactant systems, (2) Characterization of novel polymeric materials obtained from microemulsions, (3) thermal analysis of mineral reinforced polymer composites, (4) studies of the structure and critical behavior of macromolecular systems, (5) fundamental studies of colloidal processing of superconductors, (6) correlation of structure with physical properties for amorphous alloys, (7) colloidal engineering for improved ceramic processing, and (8) interfacial modification for quality enhancement in dispersive mixing. ____________________________ ____________ Program Director's Signature Date//

9810979
Qutubuddin

Description: This award is for support of a cooperative project by a US team including Professor Syed Qutubuddin of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio and Dr. Samy M. Shendy, Senior Research Scientist at Master Builders in Cleveland, Ohio, and an Egyptian team including Dr. Magdy M.H. Ayoub, of the National Research Center in Cairo, Egypt and Professor Abdelgawad M. Rabie, Dean of the faculty of Science at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt. The research objective is to understand the effects of chemical structure and molecular weight of superplasticizers (polymers) on adsorption behavior, dispersability and dispersability retention of cement particles. The goal is to understand the mechanism of superplasticizer adsorption on cement surfaces. The factors that cause undesirable air entrainment with some superplasticizers will also be explored. The research will lead to the development of advanced superplasticizers with higher performance and lower cost.

Scope: This award is for collaboration between two experienced groups of scientists in the US and Egypt, to study the chemistry of cement additives (polymers) that can increase its strength while making it more fluid for easier workability. Dr. Qutubuddin is an expert in colloidal and interfacial phenomena, particularly surfactant and polymer systems. Dr. Ayoub is working in the areas of coating and dispersions. Dr. Shendy will represent the industrial experience in this work, being a scientist at one of the leading organizations in construction materials. Dr. Rabie is an expert in polymer chemistry, and will be involved in the characterization and synthesis of superplasticizers. The results of their collaboration would be useful for the construction industry in Egypt and the United States. This proposal meets the INT objective of increasing US-foreign collaboration in areas that benefit both sides. This project is being supported under the US-Egypt Joint Fund Program, which provides grants to scientists and engineers in both countries to carry out these cooperative activities.