Research Areas

• Dr. Imtiaz's research focuses on pyrolysis, a thermo-chemical process that converts biomass and waste into biochar, bio-oil, and syngas. Pyrolysis has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its simplicity, flexibility, and efficiency. Biochar, a carbon-rich solid product of pyrolysis, has potential applications in agriculture, environmental remediation, and energy production. 

• Dr. Imtiaz has conducted extensive research on the kinetics, thermodynamics, and behavior of various materials during pyrolysis. He has also investigated the potential of pyrolysis for energy production from solid waste and biomass, as well as the synergistic effects of co-pyrolysis processes. Additionally, he has evaluated the properties and performance of blended membranes for applications such as desalination and water treatment.

• Valorization of Oil Sludge (funded by MoE and DSR-KAU, Saudi Arabia under grant no. IFPRC: 195-135-2020)

This project aims to develop new and more efficient methods to recover valuable products and energy from oil sludge.

• Optimizing Biochar and Syngas Production from Biomass Wastes (funded by MoE and DSR-KAU, Saudi Arabia under grant no. IFPRC: 184-135-2020)

This project aims to convert agricultural wastes, such as crop residues and manure, and municipal solid waste into biochar and syngas.

• Data-driven Modelling of Bio-hydrogen Production from Wastewater (funded by MoE and DSR-KAU, Saudi Arabia under project grant no. IFPIP: 1523-829-1442)

This project aims to develop data-driven models to optimize the yield of hydrogen from industrial wastewater. The project uses multilayered neural networks to account for the complex interactions between the various factors that affect hydrogen production.

• Microalgae Chlorella sp. Biomass into Fuels and Chemicals (funded by MoE and DSR-KAU, Saudi Arabia under grant no. IFPIP: 778-829-1442)

This project aims to reduce the cost of cultivating and improve the efficiency of converting microalgae biomass into fuels and chemicals.

• AI to Optimize Biodiesel Production (funded by MoE and DSR-KAU, Saudi Arabia under grant no. IFPRP: 365-829-1442)

This project reviews recent advances in machine learning and deep learning techniques that have been used to optimize biodiesel production, taking into account the variability of biodiesel feedstocks and the efficiency of biodiesel production processes.

• Blended PVDF Membranes for Seawater Desalination using Membrane Distillation (funded by DSR-KAU, Saudi Arabia under grant no. G-1436-135-449)

This project aims to increase the flux of the membranes and improve the selectivity of the blended PVDF membranes for desalination of seawater.

• Valorization of Date-Palm Waste (funded by MAARIFAH-KACST, Saudi Arabia under grant no. 11-WAT2033-03)

This project aims to convert date-palm waste into biofuels and char for potential applications in energy and wastewater treatment.

Production Capacity 

• Increased PM1 production capacity by optimizing the retention and drainage aid system. 

Quality Control 

• Reduced fiber burr/dust on the rotogravure printing machine by using a cross-linker in oxidized starch at the PM1 size press. 

• Developed a stiffer board to avoid bulging of PallMall (PTC Limited) cigarette cartons. 

Product Development 

• Reduced the cost of liquid packaging board (TetraPak) by using higher bulk BCTMP. 

• Reduced the cost of white paper by increasing tensile strength using starch with borax. 

• Developed a new high bulk additive to reduce costs. 

Process Optimization 

• Reduced paper machine downtime through smoother operations, timely decisions, and effective liaisons between various departments. 

• Participated in the revamping of the steam and condensate system of PM1 and PM5 to increase productivity.

• Participated in the conversion of PM5 from acidic to alkaline sizing (AKD and ASA).

Khalid Abdulaziz Ali Alshareef, MS in Chemical Engineering - 2023

• Thermochemical conversion of halophytes

• Published in Bioresource Technology Report - 2020

Abdulrahman Alarabi, MS in Chemical Engineering - 2023

• Thermochemical conversion of Aquazol®

• Presented at International Conference and Exhibition for Science (ICES 2023), Saudi Arabia - 2023

Arslan Khan, PhD in Chemical Engineering - 2025

• Thermochemical conversion of textile sludge and plastics