Meet Samaher Salem

What instrument(s) are you using for your research and why do you like it/them?

I have been using Hitachi S3200N variable pressure scanning electron microscope (VPSEM), FEI Verios 460L field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), the Rigaku Smartlab X-ray diffractometer and Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (TOF-SIMS) to analyze my samples. My research is focused on the surface modification of the lignocellulosic materials and the SEM images are very helpful to get insight of the surface morphology of the modified materials. Imaging TOF SIMS provides information of elemental and molecular change in the surface due to modifications. The XRD is a great technique to understand the crystallinity index of my samples and it can be correlated to the degree of surface modification and consequently the performance.

What have you been researching and how is it impacting the community?

The cellulose-water dynamic behavior is of fundamental importance for many celluloses based industrial applications such as paper, tissue paper and hygiene products and bioplastics. As the world has been moving towards a sustainable, bio‐based and circular economy due to social awareness and governmental regulations against single plastic use, cellulose nanofibrils has emerged as an important biomaterial as the application of bioplastics for food packaging has garnered significant attentions in light of environmental pollution abatement from sustainability considerations. Chemical modifications of nanofibrils are necessary to improve barrier properties, like air, oxygen, water vapor, oil, and grease resistance, for packaging applications. However, the interaction of water with cellulose nanofibrils affects its chemical reactivity and has been found to regulate the degree of chemical modification and ultimately the final barrier properties.

My research focuses on understanding cellulose-water dynamics in macro- and nanoscale, and design experiments to regulate the interaction of water with cellulose to produce modified cellulose nanofibrils with better physical and chemical properties by preserving the integrity of the original morphology of CNF and maintaining native crystalline structure. We have successfully developed bioplastics from modified cellulose nanofibrils which have shown excellent barrier properties and biodegradability.  

I hope this work would influence the use of renewable wood and non‐wood fibers as potential bioplastics for food packaging and help remediation of single-use plastics.

What have you learned from your experience at AIF?

AIF has helped me learn a lot about the material characterization techniques and grow as a researcher. The SOP available for the instruments are very simplified as easy to follow. The experienced AIF staffs have always helped me understand theory and principles of the instruments which has enabled me to do in-depth analysis of my samples and comprehend the science to advance my research. The approach of AIF during the pandemic is commendable and I really appreciate their effort to keep the reach work moving by overcoming the limitations.

Best thing about AIF in 5 words or less? 

Student friendly, experienced, knowledgeable staff

Is there a staff member at AIF that has helped you?

I have reached out to Chuck, BB, Roberto, Fred, Elaine, Phillip, and Anna for testing my samples and other needs. I am really grateful to them for their kind and friendly support.