This presentation was performed by team Al-shaheen from hassan bin Thabit Secondary school for boys on increasing efficiency of solar water heaters under the supervision of Al-Bairaq team

1. AL-BAIRAQ
I AM DISCOVERING MATERIALS
POLYMERS

2. Outline
• Introduction
• Activity 1: Changing Polymer pellets
• Activity 2: Hunting for polymer products
• Activity 3: Comparing Viscosity of polymer films
• Activity 4: Testing strength and stretch ability of polymer
films
• Design Project: Designing Humidity Sensor.
• Product Idea-

3. Introduction
The polymer: Is a compound
with a high molecular weight
consisting of repeated partial
units.These substances may be
organic, inorganic, or
mineralized, and may be natural
or artificial in origin.

4. Activities
Activity 1:
Changing
Polymer pellets-
We experimented
with polymer
polyacrylamide
pellets and learnt that
it has the absorption
property and can
absorb water 200
Activity 2: Hunting
for polymer
products-
We researched and
studied different
polymers like
polyethylene (PE),
poly vinyl
chloride(PVC),
polystyrene, Teflon,
nylon etc. We also
researched on their
Activity 3: Comparing
Viscosity of polymer
films-
We learnt property of
viscosity of polymers
with methanol, ethylene
glycol and glycerol. We
also concluded that
higher the molecular
weight, higher is the

5. Design Project:
Designing Humidity
Sensor-
We designed humidity
sensor from chemical
components like
polymers, 2-butanone
and cobalt chloride in
different ratios and we
compared the results to
find the best humidity
sensor that gives fast
results. The sensor
changes color from blue(
Activity 4: Testing
strength and stretch
ability of polymer
films- We prepared
films by applying
different polymer
solutions of poly- vinyl
acetate in varying
concentrations and
tested those films by
applying 200 g weights
from the tip of the
polymer to test
flexibility and tensile

6. Final Project:

7. Final Project:
■ As per Qatar NationalVision 2030, we are aiming for
sustainable energy to become a compatible with the
changing global demands.
■ Hereby,We introduce innovative idea in order to increase
efficiency of water heater where the water is heated in the
pipeline by the heating polymers lining the pipelines.
■ Also the tanks are insulated from losing the heat of the water
collected from the pipelines.
■ In our idea we are trying to save energy spent for water
heaters during winter season using innovative polymers that
have the ability to heat pipes.

8. Hypothesis
■ We are planning to introduce polymers that insulate the water
tanks to preserve the temperature of the water. Also the
copper pipes that carry the water is also heated due to the
black paint which absorbs more heat.

9. Methods and Materials
The materials used are;
■ Copper piping with black spray
■ Polymer insulating material(XPE foam coated with Aluminum
foil)
Method
Water is heated while passing through copper pipes as they are
absorbing heat from the environment due to the black color
sprayed on the pipes. Moreover , the water collected in the
tank is insulated in order to prevent the loss of heat thereby
increasing efficiency of solar water heater.

10. Results
■ Our product gives excellent results in
efficiency.
■ We will also be able to retain
temperature for longer period.
■ The temperature of the water does
not drop fast and it maintains a steady
rate.

11. Recommendations
■ Our product idea will help
people to get heated water
in less cost.
■ We are hoping to employ in
similar applications using
this technology.

12. Conclusions
■ Throughout our journey with Al-Bairaq, we learnt about
different polymers and their properties and applications in
everyday life and industrial applications.
■ Moreover, we learn to design a new product idea that could
change the lives of people and make it better.
■ We learn to work as a team, build confidence and improve our
communication skills.

13. Acknowledgment
Many thanks to my teachers, school and AL-Bairaq team from
Center forAdvanced Materials (CAM), Qatar University for
supporting us during our journey with a AL-Bairaq.
Also, I would like to thank the sponsors UNESCO, Qatar
National Commission.