Abdul Munam
Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry
Office
Telephone
Fax
GSM
Home (Canada)
E-mail
Credentials
Specialization
: 2022
: +968 24142470
: +968 24141469
: +968 92630261
: +1647 955 1965
: munama@squ.edu.om
: amunam@hotmail.com
: MSc (Carleton University Canada, 1999);
PhD (University of Waterloo, Canada, 2007)
: Polymer Chemistry (Synthesis and Characterization)
PROFILE:
Innovative and creative thinker who enjoys new challenges, self-motivated and resultoriented highly skilled synthetic polymer/organic R&D chemist, with 12+ years of
academic and industrial research experience. An expert in designing and executing
multi-step synthesis, high vacuum air sensitive reactions, living anionic, radical and
emulsion polymerizations, purification, characterization, scale-up, and optimizing
chemical processes of synthetic methods for both small and macromolecules.
RESEARCH –TEACHING INTEREST:
Synthesis, characterization and modification of monomers and macromolecules,
specifically smart polymers, graft polymers, dendrimers, and nanomaterials, for
Biomedical, Environment, and Enhance Oil Recovery (EOR) applications. Teaching
interest includes Polymer, Organic and Petroleum Chemistry for both introductory and
upper level.
INSTRUMENTAL SKILLS:
Proficient in using advanced spectroscopy, spectrometry, chromatography and
thermal analysis instruments such as NMR, UV/Vis, FTIR, High Resolution MS, FT-MS, Gel
Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Light Scattering, TG/DTA, DSC and Particle
Analyser, etc.
COMPUTER SKILLS:
Skilled in using SciFinder, RefWorks, EndNote, Microsoft Word/Excel/Power Point, and
ChemDraw.
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS & RESEARCH EXPEREIENCE:
 Developed new (multi-step) synthetic approach to synthesized 9,10-disubstituted
phenanthrenes for masked polyol chemistry (polyurethane) application and
conducted thermal analysis by DSC/TGA (Research outcomes are not published due
to confidentiality agreements with the company)
Dr. Abdul Munam
Page 1 of 6

Synthesized carbosilane dendrimer core using organic synthetic technique, isolation,
purification, characterization and grafted with polybutadiene to produce very high
functionality star polymer

Scaled up the synthesis of highly branched arborescent polymer with strictly controlled
architectures utilizing living anionic polymerization and grafting techniques and
characterized by FTIR, GPC (SEC), and NMR
Prepared different generations of highly branched arborescent polystyrene-graftpoly(2-vinylpyridine) copolymer (PS-g-P2VP); a smart polymer with different size of the
PS core and P2VP side chain, and studied the polyelectrolyte behavior in different
solvents and at different pH by measuring viscosity
Synthesized polystyrene latex particles using surfactant free emulsion polymerization
techniques and grafted with polyisoprene chain for use as model filler particles for
rubber system, and studied structural/property relationship by rheological analysis
Industrial research for Lanxess Inc. Canada (Title: Modification of butyl rubber
ionomers synthesis and characterization; Research outcomes are not published due
to confidentiality agreements)
Synthesized pH-responsive natural polymers for biomedical application (on-going
project in Sultan Qaboos University)




EDUCATION:
Doctor of Philosophy (Polymer Chemistry)
2007
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
Thesis Title: “Graft Polymers: From Dendrimer Hybrids to Latex Particles”
Master of Science in Polymer Chemistry
1999
Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Thesis Title: “Chemistry of Dihydrophenanthrene Ketal and its Application in Polymer
Curing”
Master of Science in Organic Chemistry
1990
University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
Project Title: “Isolation and Purification of Iridoides”
Bachelor of Science (Honors)
1989
University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY (Research/Teaching):
Assistant Professor
Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman




Sep 2011 – to date
Development of Applied Chemistry courses and program
Development of Polymer research laboratories
Development of non-catalytic technology for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) processes
for upstream oil and gas industry.
Delivered Polymer Chemistry (CHEM-5570), Material Characterization (CHEM-5574),
Petroleum Chemistry (CHEM-3420), and Quality Control/Assurance (CHEM-5578)
Dr. Abdul Munam
Page 2 of 6










lectures to upper level undergraduate students, exercised a systematic plan of
lessons, discussion and audio visual presentation by Microsoft Power Point
Conducting and supervising Polymer Chemistry laboratory course (CHEM-5570L) for a
group of 25 upper level undergraduate students
Conducting and supervising undergraduate laboratory course Organic Chemistry-1
(CHEM-3322) for a group of 25 students
Coordinating, lecturing and supervising undergraduate General Chemistry
(CHEM-1071) for a group of 300 first year Engineering students
Prepared, administered and graded examinations
Supervised and giving training to laboratory staffs (Technicians)
Supervising undergraduate and graduate students projects
Involved in arranging industrial tour for final year applied chemistry students
Participate as a member in different departmental and college level committees
such as; Academic Employment Committee, College Annual Report Committee,
Library Committee
Administrative work as a lead, such as; Departmental Annual Report Officer and
Liaison Officer with: College of Engineering, Academic Advisors for Pre-Major Students
Providing consultancy to local polymer industries
Scientist
King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Worked on the synthesis of smart polymers, for targeted oral drug delivery. Project
involves synthesis from natural sources, characterization by NMR, FTIR, GPC, and
thermal analysis by DSC and TGA, followed by phase transition and morphology study
by dynamic light scattering and SEM respectively
NSERC-Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada





Jan 2008 – Dec 2009
Worked on a butyl rubber research project “Modification” in collaboration with
Lanxess Corporation Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. Project involves, functionalization and
characterization by NMR, FTIR, and GPC
Research/Teaching Assistant
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada

Sep 2010 – Aug 2011
2000 - 2007
Designed synthetic pathways to target molecular structures, using multi-step complex
synthesis, purification and characterization
Conducted analysis of chemical data communicated results to team members, and
participated in interdisciplinary research and development projects
Conducted and supervised Organic Chemistry laboratory courses for two groups of 50
introductory and upper level undergraduate students (CHEM 265L, 266L, 267L, 360L)
Prepared and delivered lectures to students, exercised a systematic plan of lessons,
discussion and audio visual presentation by Microsoft Power Point
Prepared, administered and graded examinations, laboratory assignments, reports
and term papers
Research/Teaching Assistant
Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Dr. Abdul Munam
1997 - 1999
Page 3 of 6




Conducted literature reviews, surveys, laboratory experiments and other research for
use in scholarly publication
Compiled research results and assisted professor in analysis of results and preparation
of journal articles or papers
Managed and supervised undergraduate General Chemistry laboratory courses
(CHEM 100, 120L, 123L) for two groups of 80 first year University students
Prepared, administered and graded examinations, laboratory assignments, reports
and term papers
Lecturer Chemistry
Govt. Degree Science College, Karachi, Pakistan



Prepared lab and lecture material for presentation to students. Delivered Organic
Chemistry lectures to two groups of 150 undergraduate students using a systematic
plan of lessons and discussion
Heard and reviewed student issues, determined staffing duties and oversaw various
administrative issues related to the department, as member of five person
multidisciplinary review team
Supervised lab and laboratory assistants, administered and graded examinations
Trainee Chemist
Pakistan Oil Refinery, Karachi, Pakistan




1993 - 1996
1991 -1993
Prepared standard solution for use in experiment
Performed routine tests to aid plant engineers for improving processes
Worked on Gas Chromatograph and Flame Photometer
Tested gasoline for Octane number
PUBLICATIONS:
1) Truzzolillo, D.; Vlassopoulos, D.; Munam, A; Gauthier, M. “Depletion gels from dense soft
colloids: Rheology and thermoreversible melting” J. Rheol., 2014, 58 (5), 1441 1462.
2) Truzzolillo, D.; Marzi, D.; Marakis, J.; Capone, B.; Camargo, M.; Munam, A.; Moingeon,
F.; Gauthier, M.; Likos, N.; Vlassopoulos, D. “Glassy states in asymmetric mixtures of soft
and hard colloids” Phys. Rev. Lett., 2013, 111(20), 208301/1-208301/5.
3) Truzzolillo, D.; Vlassopoulos, D.; Gauthier, M.; Munam, A. “Thermal melting in depletion
gels of hairy nanoparticles” Soft Matter, 2013, 9, 9088.
4) Huh, M.; Gauthier, M.; Munam, A. “pH-Responsive Films of Electrostatically Adsorbed
Arborescent Copolymers” Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and
Applied Chemistry, 2012 49, 251.
5) Gauthier, M.; Munam, A. “Polystyrene-graft-poly(2-vinylpyridine)copolymers: Solution
polyelectrolyte behavior” RSC Advances, 2012, 2, 3100.
6) Stiakakis, E.; Erwin, B. M.; Vlassopoulos, D.; Cloitre, M.; Munam, A.; Gauthier, M.; Iatrou,
H.; Hadjichristidis, N. “Probing glassy states in binary mixtures of soft interpenetrable
colloids” J Phys Condens Matter. 2011, 23(23), 234116/1-234116/10.
Dr. Abdul Munam
Page 4 of 6
7) Gauthier, M.; Munam, A. “Synthesis of 1,4-Polybutadiene Dendrimer – Arborescent
Polymer Hybrids” Macromolecules 2010, 43, 3672.
8) Gauthier, M.; Munam. A. “Cross-linked Latex Particles Grafted with Polyisoprene as
Model Rubber-compatible Filler” Polymer 2009, 50, 6032.
9) Munam, A.; Gauthier, M. “Large-Scale Synthesis of Arborescent Polystyrene” J. Polym.
Sci. Part A: Polym. Chem. 2008, 46, 5742.
10) Yun, S.; Gadd, G. E.; Lo, V.; Gauthier, M.; Munam, A. “Temperature-Responsive
Supramolecular Assembly and Morphology of Arborescent Copolymer Micelles with a
Solvophilic Core−Solvophobic Shell Structure” Macromolecules 2008, 41, 7166.
11) Mayer, C.; Zaccarelli, E.; Stiakakis, E.; Likos, C. N.; Sciortino, F.; Munam, A.; Gauthier, M.;
Hadjichristidis, N.; Iatrou, H.; Tartaglia, P.; Löwen, H.; Vlassopoulos, D. “Asymmetric
Caging in Soft Colloidal Mixtures” Nature Materials 2008, 7, 780.
SELECTED PRESENTATIONS (Speaker is underlined):
1) “Solution Behavior of Branched Polyelectrolytes” Munam, A.; Gauthier, M. Oral
presentation at the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC) Conference 2009, Hamilton,
Ontario, Canada.
2) “Synthesis of 1,4-Polybutadiene Dendrimer – Arborescent Polymer Hybrids” Munam, A.;
Gauthier, M. Oral presentation at the 33rd Canadian High Polymer Forum 2007,
Gananoque, Ontario, Canada.
3) “Solution Behavior of Branched Polyelectrolytes” Munam, A.; Gauthier, M. Oral
presentation at the 28th IPR Symposium 2006, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
4) “Solution Behavior of Branched Polyelectrolytes” Munam, A.; Gauthier, M. Poster
presentation at the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC) Conference 2006, Halifax,
Nova Scotia, Canada.
5) “Cross-linked Latex Particles as Low Density Fillers for Rubbers” Munam, A.; Gauthier, M.
Oral presentation at the Institute for Polymer Research (IPR) Silver Symposium 2003,
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
RESEARCH GRANTS AWARDED:


Strategic Research Grant (2012): “Development of smart polymer for EOR”, Omani
Riyal: 100,000 (US$ = 250,000)
Internal Grant (2014): “Development of Smart polymer for biomedical application”,
Omani Riyal: 5000 (US$ = 12500)
OTHER ACTIVITY:
Health and Safety Warden
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
Dr. Abdul Munam
2000 - 2009
Page 5 of 6

Working in conjunction with the health and safety officer, faculty of sciences to make
laboratories in the chemistry department a safe working place
COMMUNITY SERVICE:

Conducting seminar and workshop for local and international high school students for
enhancing their interest in polymer chemistry

Provide technical assessment to local polymer industries in Oman

Helping students for demonstrating simple polymer experiments to general audience
during students week (open day)
PROFESSIONAL BODIES & SOCIETIES:


Member, American Chemical Society, since 2000
Member, Chemical Institute of Canada (MCIC), since 2000
Dr. Abdul Munam
Page 6 of 6