In brief
At the ADIPEC 2026 Technical Conference in Abu Dhabi, Zayed University students demonstrated a method to turn local desert plant residues into cellulose‑based polymers that could aid water management and energy‑sector uses, supporting the UAE’s circular economy goals.
In Abu Dhabi on 6 November, Zayed University students took the stage at the ADIPEC 2026 Technical Conference to show how desert plant residues can become useful bio‑based polymers.
The project, named From Desert Biomass to Bio‑Based Functional Polymers for Sustainable Water Management and Energy‑Sector Applications, was led by Sawsan Salem Mubarak Mohamed Aljaberi, Shahad Omar Salem Omar Aljaari and supervised by Dr. Maisa El Gamal.
Researchers extracted cellulose from locally available plant waste and then chemically modified it to form functional polymers. Fourier‑transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed successful cellulose modification, while thermogravimetric analysis revealed the thermal stability of the new materials.
Preliminary results show that the derived polymers could improve soil water retention, aid land rehabilitation, and even serve as additive fluids in oil and gas drilling operations.
The study aligns with Emirati ambitions for a circular economy and sustainable resource use by turning underutilized biomass into high‑value products.
Participation in ADIPEC, an important international energy forum, highlights Zayed University’s focus on research excellence and student involvement in real‑world environmental solutions.
