Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Self-Healing and Anti-Corrosion Coatings

Brief

An innovative method to make highly efficient coatings

 

Technology Overview

Self-healing coatings are a beneficial solution to existing corrosion issues in various industries, especially in oil & gas fields. The present invention includes the fabrication of a self-healing polymer coating incorporated with corrosion inhibitor encapsulated mesoporous carbon (MeC) based nanocontainer for the corrosion protection of metal structures. A corrosion inhibitor was added directly into the pores of mesoporous carbon and then covered by a polyelectrolyte layer to prevent the unwanted release. Pores of mesoporous carbon are effectively filled with a sufficient amount of benzotriazole, and they get released at the damaged area occurring by the triggering action of corrosion. This helps in diminishing the propagation of corrosion processes through the metal surface.


Inventors
Competitive Advantage

The current inventive nanocontainerpolymer coatings have several advantages compared with the existing technology of solgel coating. 

  • The highly scalable process follows easy steps for the synthesis
  • Nanocontainers in the polymer coatings have more freedom of movement
  • Low temperature (30-70°C) curing is enough to get a uniform coating
  • Uniform coatings with thickness greater than 1μm could easily be obtained from nanocontainer-polymer formulation
  • Curing of nanocontainer-polymer coatings improve the chemical and
    physical interaction between the functional groups on the outer layer
    polyelectrolyte with the polymeric matrix, which enhances the nanocontainer compatibility and reduces the chances of coating damage.
Market Application

As coatings in:

  • Storage tanks
  • Transportation pipelines in the oil and gas fields
Intellectual Property

PCT/IB2017/054995

Contact

ip@ku.ac.ae

Thermoplastic-based Sulphur Nanocomposites

Brief

Lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining desirable physical properties

 

Technology Overview

Thermoplastic, also known as thermosoftening plastic, is a polymer that becomes pliable or moldable above a specific temperature and returns to a solid state upon cooling. The developed thermoplastic sulfur-polymer composite is comprised of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polyethylene and polystyrene, and a sulfur element. The thermoplastic polymer is a polymer matrix with the sulfur filler is dispersed in the polymer matrix.


Inventors
Competitive Advantage

Nanopolymers have many dramatic and very valuable properties. Most of these important nanoproperties are due to the vast increase in the ratio of surface area to volume. The exponentially increased surface area makes it possible for new quantum mechanical effects. One example is the “quantum size effect,” where the electronic properties of solids are altered with great reductions in particle size.

In addition, a certain number of physical properties may also be altered in the nanomaterials. The added nanoparticles, such as the sulfur nanoparticles of the present invention, can strongly influence the mechanical properties of the polymers, such as stiffness and elasticity. In this way, the application of sulfur nanoparticles (in the polymer matrix) in the present invention to form the nanosulfur-polymer composite is able to provide the new polymer nanomaterial with certain valuable properties; therefore, they can find important applications in many different industries.

Market Application
  • Thermoplastics
  • Polymers
  • Plastics
Intellectual Property

US 14/703,358

Contact

ip@ku.ac.ae

Decarbonization and Utilization Towards Syngas and Clean H2 Production

Brief

Steering of catalyst structures towards coke-free catalyst

 

Technology Overview

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is an endothermic catalytic process (CH4 + CO2 ↔ 2 CO + 2 H2) that can produce clean and green H2 fuel and synthesis gas (CO/H2). The syngas produced can be utilized for the production of fuels and high value-added chemicals such as methanol, dimethyl ether, acetic acid, and other oxygenated chemicals and long chain hydrocarbons via Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis. DRM is also an attractive alternative for CO2 utilization and recycling, which consequently mitigates global warming as it uses two main greenhouse gases. However, it has not been industrialized yet due to the lack of development of robust catalysts that can sustain coke-free operation and high resistance to metal sintering at high temperatures. Ni-based catalysts present an economically viable alternative compared to noble metal-based catalysts. However, they suffer mainly from carbon deposition, which ultimately leads to catalyst deactivation. The Ni-supported catalysts prepared in the present invention showed excellent stability and carbon formation reduction.


Inventors
Competitive Advantage

The Ni-supported catalysts synthesized, namely, Ni/Ce-La-10Cu-O and Ni/Ce-Sm-10Cu-O (DBM), showed good conversion of CH4 and CO2 and excellent stability towards DRM. The best performance was made possible due to the in-situ structure modification through alloying, transforming the Ni catalyst to a NiCu catalyst with a crystallite size of <6 nm.

Market Application
  • Clean and green H2 production
  • Synthesis gas (Syngas – CO+ H2) production
Intellectual Property

US 17/900,374

Contact

ip@ku.ac.ae

3D Meta-materials for Effective Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

Brief

Artificial Materials for Effective Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

 

Technology Overview

A gradient 3-dimensional (3D) honeycomb metamaterial structure is fabricated, and its structure parameters were optimized and fabricated by using 3D printing technology. Nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes and magnetic nanoparticles have been prepared and coated on the gradient 3D structure. The titled angle has a dramatic effect on the RL and the reduced mismatch between air and 3D meta-absorber should account for the enhanced performance. The gradient 3D meta-absorber has features of high performance and lightweight, which could find applications in many fields, especially in aerospace and military application where lightweight materials are preferred.


Inventors
Competitive Advantage

Radar absorbing materials (RAMs) have gained a fundamental role in civil, aerospace, and military applications that require good control of the electromagnetic (EM) environment, such as the design of ‘stealth’ aircraft against air-based radar surveillance. Such materials are characterized not only by high shielding properties against EM fields but a low reflection coefficient over a defined frequency range of the EM spectrum. The objective of ‘stealth’ designs is to reduce the radar cross-section (RSC) of the potential targets in order to make aircraft and vehicles less detectable to hostile radar surveillance systems. Enhanced Frequency-dependent electromagnetic properties (Reflection loss of over -40dB) of our 3D meta-materials by implementing the following strategies:

  • Designing the gradient honeycomb structure (only 0 to 4 degrees in tilted angles)
  • 3D printing to fabricate the optimized structure 
  • Coating the gradient honeycomb structure with the nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes and magnetic nanoparticles

 

Market Application
  • Radar absorbing materials (RAM) for aerospace and military applications:
    good control of the electromagnetic (EM) environment, such as design of
    ‘stealth’ aircraft against air-based radar surveillance.
  • Electromagnetic interference (EMI): increase the lifetime of electronic
    devices and efficiency
Intellectual Property

US 17/392,898

Contact

ip@ku.ac.ae

High-aspect Ratio Nanostructures for Electronics

Brief

Innovative method to obtain metal and metal oxide nanostructures

 

Technology Overview

In this invention, a robust method for fabricating high-aspect-ratio structures through a self-folding process of planar thin films is developed. It relies solely on three standard microfabrication steps, lithography, etching, and sputtering processes, provides the flexibility to position the spalled structures
according to the application requirements, and is fully compliant with CMOS fabrication standards. This method has been successfully demonstrated for metal-oxides and metals. The width of the fabricated structures is dependent on the thickness of the film deposited by sputtering, where structures as small as 20 nm in width have been obtained.


Inventors
Competitive Advantage

This invention solves two long-standing problems in the field of nanotechnology, namely achieving high-aspect ratio free-standing nanostructures, and accurate positioning of these nanostructures in organized patterns, following a design layout by a process engineer.

Market Application
  • Memory cells
  • RAM devices
  • Fuel cells
  • Batteries
  • Catalyzers
  • Photovoltaics
Intellectual Property

US 63/083,581

Contact

ip@ku.ac.ae

Platform Technology for 2D Materials Manufacturing

Brief

Highly efficient in-situ fabrication process of 2D−2D-type nanohybrids

 

Technology Overview

The rapid growth in interest and the large number of achievements in recent years suggests that perforated two-dimensional (2D) materials with precise control of nanopores and density are indeed new generation materials with direct application in various market segments (i.e., membrane technology,
electronics, energy storage and generation, DNA sequencing, etc.). In the present invention, a method is developed to perforate 2D materials sheets with controlled pore size and density. Further, an integrated approach is developed using the present method to produce membranes at an industrial scale. 2D materials developed by various technologies can be used to perforate with the existing method.


Inventors
Competitive Advantage

The innovative method developed to fabricate 2D−2D-type nanohybrid follows a simplistic scalable in situ strategy and is environmentally friendly. The resulting nanostructures exhibits properties that are
imperative to develop materials at Industrial scale.

Market Application
  • Water filtration
  • Water desalination
  • Semiconductors
  • Battery production
  • Biological DNA sequencing
  • Blood filtration
  • Pollution abatement
  • Sensors
  • Filters
Intellectual Property

Technology reference number: PCT/IB2020/052760

Contact

ip@ku.ac.ae

Innovative Self-Cleaning and Antifogging Coatings for Glass Substrates

Brief

Antifogging glass technology to tackle dirt and grim on glass

 

Technology Overview

The fabrication of (titanium dioxide) TiO2 coatings deposited by e-beam evaporation was achieved, with the ability to induce the production of self-cleaning superhydrophilic glass without the need for UV irradiation. After being annealed at 500 °C, the non-porous films exhibited radiation-free superwetting behavior. The superhydrophilic and antifogging
properties, which can be reactivated by a thermal treatment or prolonged through UV exposure, confirmed the excellent potential of these materials for self-cleaning application, both outdoors and indoors. The deposition of a 20 nm layer did not alter the optical and mechanical properties of the glass. In addition, film adhesion to the substrate and photocatalytic activity proved to be very effective. The prepared 20 nm coating (20-TiO2-GLASS) shows enhanced antifogging properties compared to bare glass and the commercial self-cleaning glass


Inventors
Competitive Advantage

Current approaches to the fabrication of self-cleaning materials aim at improving hydrophilicity by imparting porous structures to the coatings. Our coatings are non-porous and able to reach a superhydrophilic state without the application of UV irradiation. The performance in terms of wettability and photocatalytic activity is thus better compared to self-cleaning glasses currently on the market.

Market Application
  • Hotels and Households: Developed coatings enhance the breakdown of the dirt and grime on the outer surface of the glass. Prevent fogging in kitchen and bathroom glass and mirrors, resulting from using hot showers and from boiling
    water.
  • Automobiles: Antifog glass increases safety in many instances, such as in cars when there is humidity or a rapid temperature change and fogging glass disrupts the driver’s ability to see through their windscreen or what’s in
    their side view mirrors.
  • Façade glass: Useful when there is significant temperature gradient and
    high environmental humidity.
Intellectual Property

US 10,875,807

Contact

ip@ku.ac.ae

Biodegradable Composite Materials

Brief

Sustainable solution for product packaging and other applications

 

Technical Overview

Convenience, safety, low price, and good aesthetic qualities are among the major factors that make plastics useful for numerous applications. Synthetic polymers that are produced from petrochemical products have low recovery/reproduction rates and are not easily degraded in the environment. The developed method in the present technology is used to make a biodegradable composite using an aqueous mixture comprised of partially hydrolyzed cellulose in a dissolution media; combing the mixture with a solution of aliphatic polyester in a polar organic solvent;
removing solvent and dissolution media to form a wet biodegradable composite; and drying the wet biodegradable composite to form a dry biodegradable composite.


Inventors
Competitive Advantage

Modification of biodegradable polymers through innovative nanotechnology opens up new possibilities for improving not only the properties but also the cost-price-efficiency. 

Market Application
  • Biodegradable materials
  • Product packaging
  • Tissue engineering
Intellectual Property

US 13/268,278

Contact

ip@ku.ac.ae

Nano-Probe Microscopy and Nanomaterials Characterization

Brief

Single-atom and sub-1 nm probe for highly focused electron and ion beam microscopy and nano-probe microscopy.

 

Technology Overview

Nano-probes are the most critical parts in all scanning probe microscopes, like atomic force microscopes and scanning tunneling microscopes, as the resolution of the microscope is a direct function of the probe apex size, where optimum resolution can be achieved by having extremely sharp probes. These atomically sharp nano-probes can be used for characterizing and manipulating, bio and chemical molecules, nanomaterials. In electron and ion microscopes like scanning electron microscope (SEM), and ultra-high resolution transmission electron microscope (UHTEM), nanoprobes
are used as a source of electrons and ions where highly focused electron and ion beams can be produced.


Inventors
Competitive Advantage

This process depends on a physical mechanism by bombarding the probe apex with hot electrons from a surrounding ring and meanwhile monitoring the process using the FIM microscope screen. Therefore, this process provides full control of the fabrication of extremely sharp popes, and can be applied on all metal and doped semiconductor probes, unlike the blind current processes for nano-probe fabrication. The process can be monitored in real-time in the field ion microscope, where the tip (probe) sharpening process is taking
place.

Market Application
  • Ultra-high resolution molecular and biomolecular imaging and characterization
  • Atoms, molecules, nanomaterials manipulation and characterization.
    Nano-devices characterization
  • Atomic resolution microscopy
  • Nanofabrication
  • Ultra-high resolution electron and ion microscopes
  • Ultra-high resolution nano-probe microscopes
Intellectual Property

US 13/293,167

Contact

ip@ku.ac.ae

Thermoplastic-Based Sulphur Nanocomposites

Brief

Lowers manufacturing cost while maintaining desirable physical properties

Technology Overview

Thermoplastic, also known as thermosoftening plastic, is a polymer that becomes pliable or moldable above a specific temperature, and returns to a solid state upon cooling. The developed thermoplastic sulfur-polymer composite is comprised of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polyethylene and polystyrene, and a sulfur element. The thermoplastic polymer is a polymer matrix with the sulfur filler is dispersed in the polymer matrix. 


Inventors
  • Saeed Alkhazraji
  • Ahmed Abdalla
  • Sara Aldhaheri
  • Dana Fadlalla
  • Sara Qeshta
  • Nafisa Ali
Competitive Advantage
  • Provides good alternatives to pure polymers by providing similar physical properties
  • Results in lower manufacturing costs because the filling component is less expensive than most of the respective host polymer materials 
  • Doesn’t require chemical modification
Market Application
  • Thermoplastics
  • Polymers
  • Plastics
Intellectual Property
  • U.S. 9,783,652
  • U.S. 10,030,125
Contact

ip@ku.ac.ae

Device for Water Collection from Atmospheric Moisture

Brief

Providing access to fresh water in areas of scarcity

Technology Overview

Water is one of the most important resources in the world, however there is scarce access to fresh water in some locations. The developed device can be used for collecting water from the atmospheric moisture with no without energy input except for solar radiation. The device is comprised of a water absorbing material, a protection wall and a water container. When the water absorbing material is below phase separation temperature, hydrogen bonds are formed with water molecules resulting in the absorption of water from the air.


Inventors
  • Saeed Alkhazraji
  • Sara Aldhaheri
  • Fatima Alhameli
Competitive Advantage
  • Results in the collection of water in energy efficient and environmentally friendly manner
  • Requires minimal human intervention and minimal maintenance
  • Low-cost and easy to use
Market Application
  • Fresh water collection
  • Water conservation
Intellectual Property

U.S. 9,440,187

Contact

ip@ku.ac.ae

Molybdenum Disulfide Foam

Brief

Enhancing the structure of molybdenum disulfide

Technology Overview

Sulfur-containing compounds are by-products from oil and gas production. Molybdenum disulfide is the preferred catalyst for hydro-desulphurization, which is the catalytic chemical process to remove sulfur from natural gas or other refined chemical products. However, molybdenum disulfide is limited to the surface area of the material. The developed process expands the surface area of the material by increasing the porosity and internal cavities of the material.


Inventors
  • Saeed Alkhazraji
  • Salama Almarzouk
Competitive Advantage
  • Enables control of the porosity of foam produced to adapt to various processes and specific requirements
  • Provides a new form of molybdenum sulfide for potential new uses and applications
  • Synthesis method can be applied to other sulfides such as tungsten sulfide, as well boron nitride and graphene
Market Application
  • Petroleum industry
  • Catalysts
  • Coatings / lubricant
Intellectual Property

U.S. 9,963,357

Contact

ip@ku.ac.ae

Fabrication of a Super Nano Ion-Electron Source

Brief

Nanotips with desirable apex atomic structures

Technology Overview

The developed method of fabricating a super nano ion-electron source can lead to improved nanotips for applications in nanotechnology, particularly in scanning probe microscopy and electron microscopy. The method involves placing an assembly of precursor tip with an apex and a shank and a heating metal ring in a field ion microscope chamber, applying a direct current to heat the metal ring, applying an electrical field to the precursor tip, and monitoring the evolution of the tip apex until sharpened to a desirable structure.


Inventors

Moh’D Rezeq

Competitive Advantage
  • Results in extremely sharp and clean nanotips that terminate with an apex of atomic scale or a single atom
  • Provides superior control of the shape of the nanotip in the etching process
  • Produces clean tips with no enchant gases or contaminants
  • Works with all metals and is not restricted to a specific meta
Market Application
  • Nanotechnology
  • Nano semiconductor devices
  • Nanotip that can be used as a super source of electron or ion beams
  • Nano-probe in scanning probe microscopes
Intellectual Property

U.S. 8,460,049

Contact

ip@ku.ac.ae

Binder-Free Nano Fiber Catalyst for Petroleum Hydrocracking

Technology Overview

A new binder-free catalyst and a process to produce a designed zeolite-based catalyst with high selectivity. The novel feature of this technology is the use of only catalyst active materials and therefore producing high-quality catalyst through a cost-effective process. 


Inventors
  • Raed Hashaikeh
  • Shaheen Anis
  • Gnanapragasam Singaravel
Competitive Advantage
  • Efficient
  • Fast recovery
  • Scalable
  • Cost-effective
Market Application
  • Catalyst formulation and shaping
  • Petroleum refining
  • Syngas reforming
  • CO2 capture
Intellectual Property

US 2020-0009542 A1

Contact

ip@ku.ac.ae 

Smart and Self-Powered Sensors for Geological Hydro-Fracturing

Technology Overview

Smart sensors for in-situ measurement for monitoring and fracture mapping during and after geological hydro-fracturing. The sensors records and provides near to real-time data on temperature, pressue, chemical composition, etc. A record set of these sensors can be embedded in the proppant and provide status of the well. All data and information within the fractured rock and any information changes is transmitted wirelessly.


Inventors
  • Mohamed Sassi
  • Manhal Sirat
  • Irfan Saadat
  • Rashid Abu Al-Rub
Competitive Advantage
  • Self-contained energy sensors
  • Can operate at harsh conditions
  • Long-lasting durability
  • Wireless transmission of information
Market Application
  • Increased production
  • Efficiency on predictive maintenance
  • Saving on operation costs
  • Near to real-time status monitoring
Intellectual Property

US 2019-0273973 A1

Contact

ip@ku.ac.ae

Photo-Regenerable Filters Useful for the Removal of Organic Compounds

Brief

Enhanced filters designed to alleviate pharmaceutical pollution of water

Technology Overview

Pharmaceutical compounds are emerging contaminants in the water supply due to increasing use throughout the world. The developed photo-regenerable filters are designed to remove pharmaceutical compounds and other contaminants from water. The filter is comprised of carbon nanotubes and high surface area titanium dioxide nanospheres, in which the high surface area titanium dioxide nanospheres are dispersed in the carbon nanotubes.


Inventors
  • Farrukh Ahmad
  • Qammer Zaib
Competitive Advantage
  • Efficiently removes a variety of pharmaceutical and other contaminants from fluids
  • Structure can be physically modified to alter the properties
  • Can be produced utilizing several manufacturing methods including vacuum adsorption and ultrasonication
  • Filter can be regenerated by applying ultraviolet light for 1 to 8 hours
Market Application
Intellectual Property

U.S. 9,840,425

Contact

ip@ku.ac.ae

Cellulose Blends with Enhanced Water Retention

Brief

Enhanced utilization/conservation of water using cellulose gels

Technology Overview

Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer that can be extracted inexpensively from plants and other organisms. The developed cellulose gel compositions are prepared by modifying native cellulose to generate a material with enhanced water absorption and retention properties. The material is produced through the regeneration of cellulose in aqueous polyethylene oxide. The material has been demonstrated to hold twenty times its weight.


Inventors
  • Raed Hashaikeh
  • Ali Asghar
Competitive Advantage
  • Enables efficient water absorption
  • Reduces water consumed for irrigation purposes
  • Provides a non-toxic, low-cost, and biodegradable solution to address irrigation challenges
  • Can be combined with insoluble media to produce a plant growth media
Market Application
  • Landscaping
  • Water retention in arid climates and sandy soils
  • Soil enhancement
  • Plant growth media
  • Erosion / water run-off prevention
Intellectual Property

U.S. 9,901,040

Contact

ip@ku.ac.ae

System and Method for Continuous Transesterification of Oils

Brief

Multi-chamber reactor for converting waste oil into biofuel

Technology Overview

Biodiesel is an important alternative fuel that includes a fatty acid methyl or (ethel) esters produced from trigylcerides as the product of vegetable, lipid, animal, trapped grease, or recycled cooking oil. However, production of biodiesel is limited due to current production methods. The developed multi-chamber continuous tubular reactor for the transesterification of oil can improve production. The multi-chamber design operates in a helical flow pattern to enhance mass transfer and increase conversion.


Inventors
  • Isam Janajreh
  • Rasha Rabu
Competitive Advantage
  • Provides continuous transesterification of oils using a multi-chamber tubular reactor
  • Minimizes pumping loss due to no limitations with mass transfer
  • Increases throughput and yield
  • Increases conversion of oil and methanol into glycol and fatty acid methyl (ethel) ester
Market Application
  • Alternative energy
  • Biofuel/biodiesel
  • Waste cooking oil
  • Transesterification 
Intellectual Property

U.S. 9,468,899

Contact

ip@ku.ac.ae

Cellulosic Gel Material as a Pharmaceutical Excipient

Brief

Improved process of preparing pharmaceutical tablets

Technology Overview

A gel material from structure-modified or processed cellulose combined with an active pharmaceutical ingredient can be used to improve the process of tablet production. The approach introduces a continuous process that can reduce labor, time, and cost of production. In addition, the approach results in an improved tablet with desirable properties.


Inventors
  • Raed Hashaikeh
  • Hatem Abushammala
Competitive Advantage
  • Results in a high yield, continuous, and efficient production process that can be implemented at a commercial scale
  • Eliminates the need of using a tablet compression machine to produce a hard tablet
  • Produces a tablet with beneficial attributes including hardness and drug delivery
Market Application

Production of pharmaceutical products in tablet form

Intellectual Property

U.S. 9,446,000

Contact

ip@ku.ac.ae