Dr. Mounir EL ACHABY is an Associate Professor of Materials Science at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). He earned his Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering and Materials & Nanomaterials Physics in Oct. 2012 from the Moroccan Foundation for Advanced Science, Innovation and Research (MAScIR), in collaboration with Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco. His doctoral research focused on the development of novel nanocomposite materials based on graphene derivatives and thermoplastic polymers for advanced applications. Following the completion of his Ph.D., Dr. EL ACHABY worked as a Scientific Researcher at MAScIR from Oct. 2012 to Dec. 2014. He joined the Materials Science, Energy, and Nanoengineering (MSN) Department at UM6P in 2015 as an Assistant Prof.. During this period, he was also a Visiting Prof. at INRA-UMR IATE in Montpellier, France, from June to Dec. 2016. In recognition of his significant contributions to the field, he was promoted to Associate Prof. at UM6P in Jan. 2019.
EDUCATION
2008-2012: Polymer Science and Engineering, Institution: Moroccan Foundation for Advanced Science, Innovation and Research (MAScIR) & Faculty
of Sciences, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco. Dissertation Title: Nanocomposites based on Graphene/thermoplastic polymer:
Preparation and study of their structural, thermal, rheological and mechanical properties.
2006-2008: Master’s degree in Materials Physics, Institution: Faculty of Sciences Aïn Chock, UH2C, Casablanca, Morocco.
2003-2006: Bachelor's Degree in Physical Science, Institution: Faculty of Sciences Aïn Chock, UH2C, Casablanca, Morocco.
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Materials Science, Polymers and Plastics, Biomaterials, Surfaces, Coatings and Films
FUTURE PROJECTS
Valorization of cellulosic fibers and biopolymers for the development of structured Biocomposites: wastewater treatment, and sustainable biomaterials for paper & food packaging.
Applications Invited
Design of biopolymeric coatings for slow-release fertilizers
Applications Invited
Conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into hard carbon materials for energy storage
Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) Rebars: Performance and Applications Meriem Kasbaji, Lamiae Oulbaz, Mohamed Amine Kasbaji, Mounir El Achaby, Mustapha Oubenali ACS Symposium Series, 2026 The escalating demand for materials characterized by enhanced durability, superior corrosion resistance, and reduced maintenance expenditures has established basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) rebars as a formidable alternative to traditional steel reinforcement in concrete construction. Originating from the abundantly available basalt rock, basalt fibers demonstrate exceptional tensile strength, outstanding thermal stability, and significant resistance to chemical degradation, positioning them as ideal candidates for challenging environments, such as industrial, coastal, and marine contexts. These fibers are integrated into polymer matrices to formulate BFRP rebars, which serve as lightweight, non-corrosive reinforcement solutions that exhibit greater long-term efficacy compared to conventional steel. This chapter presents comprehensive analyses of the mechanical, chemical, and physical properties of BFRP rebars, alongside thorough evaluations of their performance within reinforced concrete systems. Critical subjects addressed include the interaction of the bond with concrete, resistance to saline and alkaline conditions, durability against thermal variations and freeze-thaw cycles, as well as the structural capacity to endure loads under diverse stress scenarios. Additionally, the chapter explores surface modification techniques, fabrication methodologies, and pertinent design guidelines that govern the production and application of BFRP. The efficacy and benefits of BFRP rebars are illustrated through case studies that encompass bridge decks, tunnels, marine infrastructure, and rehabilitation initiatives. Significant concerns are meticulously examined, including the economic implications, the absence of design codes, and the forecasting of long-term behavior. The chapter concludes with an overview of prospective research avenues, standardization initiatives, and technological innovations aimed at facilitating the extensive adoption of BFRP in sustainable construction practices.
One-Step Heat-Induced Surface Hydrophobization of Cellulosic Membrane by APTES for Oil–Water Emulsion Separation Naji Majoudi, Brahim Mazian, Yuri Ferreira da Silva, Mounir El Achaby, Patrick Perre, El-Houssaine Ablouh ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 2026 Widespread discharge of oily wastewater from industrial processes, combined with accidental oil spills, poses a significant challenge to the environment and human health. Hence, the efficient separation of oil/water mixtures is a pressing issue for sustainable development. Hydrophobic/oleophilic materials based on cellulose fibers modified with silanes show increasing interest for the selective separation of oil and water, but it remains difficult to achieve simple processing while ensuring stability, durability, environmental friendliness, and low cost. Here, a hydrophobic membrane was produced via a simple one-step modification by immersing the paper substrate (UNPr) in hydrolyzed 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). Heat treatment at 120 °C promoted interfacial interactions between the NH2–NH2 and NH2–OH groups via conformational rearrangements that oriented the −NH2 groups toward the fiber surfaces (inward), resulting in a transition from hydrophilic to hydrophobic surfaces. This modified paper showed a water contact angle (WCA) of over 134° and oil spread immediately with an oil contact angle (OCA) of ∼0°; moreover, the average pore volume of the membrane was 246.75 ± 469.3 μm3, which improved its selectivity and enabled efficient separation of even small water droplets.
Green Hybrid Biopolymeric Beads for Efficient Removal of Copper Ions from Aqueous Solutions: Experimental Studies Assisted by Monte Carlo Simulation Ilias Barrak, Ikrame Ayouch, Zineb Kassab, Youness Abdellaoui, Jaber Raissouni, Said Sair, Mounir El Achaby, Khalid Draoui Analytica, 2026 The objective of this research is to develop environmentally friendly, risk-free and effective adsorbent composite beads that remove Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions using cost-effective biopolymers (Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and sodium alginate (AL)). The synthesized hydrogel beads (AL@CMC) were dried using two drying modes, namely air-drying and freeze-drying, and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The study investigated factors such as pH, adsorbent dosage, reaction time, Cu(II) ions concentration, and temperature to elucidate the adsorption mechanisms involved in removing copper ions. The results indicated that the hydrogel exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 99.05 mg·g−1, which is highly competitive compared to previous studies; the AL@CMC beads prepared in this work show a significantly higher adsorption capacity, improved stability due to the interpenetrated biopolymer network, and a clear enhancement from freeze-drying, which greatly increases porosity and active surface area. In addition, the pseudo-second-order nonlinear kinetic model best described the experimental data, implying the chemical nature of the adsorption process. Furthermore, the thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption process was endothermic, spontaneous, and homogenous. A Monte Carlo simulation model was utilized to ensure compatibility with the adsorption mechanism, in order to delve deeper into the intricacies of the adsorption process and gain a more comprehensive understanding of its underlying mechanisms and behavior. In conclusion, the prepared hydrogel beads proved to be an effective adsorbent for efficiently removing copper ions, making them a promising solution for addressing Cu(II) ion pollution.
Optimized acid-leaching recovery of Iron from pyrrhotite waste and hydrothermal crystallization of high-purity α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles for magnetic applications Youssef Esshouba, El Kebir Hlil, Tarik Mahfoud, Youssef Tamraoui, Hassan El Moussaoui, Mounir El Achaby Chemical Engineering Journal, 2026 In this study, iron(III) oxide (α-Fe 2 O 3 ) was recovered from pyrrhotite ash (PA) using an optimized acid leaching process followed by hydrothermal crystallization. A one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) approach was employed to investigate the effects of acid concentration, leaching time, temperature, and liquid–solid ratio on iron extraction efficiency. Under optimal conditions (6 M HCl, 90 °C, 120–180 min, and a liquid-to-solid ratio of 10:1 ml/g), a maximum iron recovery of 82.6% was achieved. Kinetic analysis based on the shrinking-core model demonstrated that iron dissolution is governed by a surface chemical-reaction mechanism, exhibiting the highest linearity (R 2 = 0.97) among the tested models. Temperature-dependent rate constants followed the Arrhenius relationship, yielding an activation energy of 46.66 Kj/mol. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis confirmed that the synthesized α-Fe 2 O 3 possesses high purity, containing 98.76 wt% iron(III) oxide. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the phase purity and crystallinity of the extracted α-Fe 2 O 3 , while Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy revealed characteristic Fe O vibrations consistent with the hematite structure. Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) analysis showed agglomerated particles with nearly hexagonal morphology and sizes ranging from 50 to 138 nm. Magnetic measurements at 5 K and 300 K indicated weak-ferromagnetic behavior. The recovered α-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles were successfully used as precursors for synthesizing cobalt and nickel ferrites using solid-state reaction. This work represents the first reported utilization of PA by-products as a source of α-Fe 2 O 3 for producing ferrimagnetic powders, highlighting a sustainable and value-added route for industrial waste valorization. • Green recycling process of industrial waste (Pyrrhotite ash) through acid leaching. • Optimized HCl leaching and kinetic modeling showed reaction-controlled iron dissolution. • α-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles recovered with high purity (98.76 wt%) from pyrrhotite ash via acid leaching. • Recovered α-Fe 2 O 3 enabled the sustainable synthesis of magnetic Ni/Co ferrites from waste with ferrimagnetic behavior.
How can cellulosic fibers enhance adhesion in engineered wood? Anass Ait Benhamou, Abdelghani Boussetta, Mohamed Hamid Salim, Mehdi Mennani, Meriem Kasbaji, Zineb Kassab, Véronic Landry, Blaise Leopold Tardy, Antonio Pizzi, Mounir El Achaby, Amine Moubarik Materials Science and Engineering R Reports, 2024
Phosphorylated chitin from shrimp shell waste: A robust solution for cadmium remediation Hassan Charii, Abdelghani Boussetta, Kamal Benali, Kamal Essifi, Mehdi Mennani, Anass Ait Benhamou, Henri El Zakhem, Houssine Sehaqui, Mounir El Achaby, Nabil Grimi, Khalid Boutoial, El-Houssaine Ablouh, Amine Moubarik International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024
Packaging and bionanocomposites Khadija El Bourakadi, Fatima Zahra Ouragh Hassani Semlali, Mounir El Achaby, Abou el kacem Qaiss, Rachid Bouhfid Bionanocomposites for Food Packaging Applications, 2022
General Overview on the Water–Energy–Food Nexus Anas Tallou, Khalid Aziz, Karim Sbihi, Mounir El Achaby, Lhoucine Gebrati, Francisco Pedrero Salcedo, Faissal Aziz Nutrition and Human Health Effects and Environmental Impacts, 2022
Alfa fibers, their composites and applications Mohamed Hamid Salim, Zineb Kassab, El-Houssaine Ablouh, Houssine Sehaqui, Rachid Bouhfid, Abou El Kacem Qaiss, Mounir El Achaby Plant Fibers their Composites and Applications, 2022
Development and performance evaluation of composite material prepared from recycled polyethylene terephthalate ( PET ) and perlite I Khabach, M Kriraa, J Arbaoui, ME Achaby, M Ouakarrouch, A Bennani, ... Journal of Polymer Research 33 (5), 206 , 2026 2026
Cellulose and Lignin-based Materials from Moroccan Biomass for Slow-Release Fertilizers: Insights from Recent Research EH Ablouh, Y EL HADJAOUI, N MAJOUDI, R EL KHORCHI, ... Frontiers in Science and Engineering, International Journal 15 (1), 59-68 , 2026 2026
From Nature to Function: Unlocking the Potential of Bio-Derived Materials from Lignocellulosic Biomass for Multifunctional Applications M El Achaby, M KASBAJI, Z KASSAB, FZ SEMLALI, EH ABLOUH, ... Frontiers in Science and Engineering, International Journal 15 (1), 69-83 , 2026 2026
Optimizing safe rates of pop-up inorganic starter nitrogen and W Makaza, L Khiari¹, M El Achaby Innovative Approaches in Nutrient Management for Sustainable Cropping Systems , 2026 2026
One-Step Heat-Induced Surface Hydrophobization of Cellulosic Membrane by APTES for Oil–Water Emulsion Separation N Majoudi, B Mazian, YF Da Silva, M El Achaby, P Perre, EH Ablouh ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 18 (14), 21105-21119 , 2026 2026
Pyrrhotite ash-filled plastics for improved electromagnetic interference shielding and flame retardancy Y Esshouba, T Mahfoud, M Bodaghi, Y Zaarour, M Aznabet, EK Hlil, ... Materials Chemistry and Physics, 132395 , 2026 2026
Electrochemical Methods for Liquid Waste Treatment: Innovations, Applications, and Sustainability M Mouhsin, MA Kasbaji, O El Wafi, A Hafdi, M Kasbaji, M M'Barki, ... Wastewater Treatment, 143-167 , 2026 2026
Membrane-Based Separation Processes in Wastewater Treatment: Principles, Materials, and Sustainability Perspectives MA Kasbaji, M Mouhsin, FE Atmani, O El Wafi, A Hafdi, M Kasbaji, ... Wastewater Treatment, 42-78 , 2026 2026
Experimental and theoretical analysis of single-and binary-system cationic-anionic dye adsorption onto magnetic lignin-alginate beads MA Kasbaji, M Kasbaji, O El Wafi, A Hafdi, M M'Barki, M El Achaby, ... Separation and Purification Technology, 137430 , 2026 2026
Innovative Adsorption Techniques for Efficient Liquid Waste Treatment: Materials, Mechanisms, and Applications M Kasbaji, MA Kasbaji, M M'Barki, A Gamouh, H Abderrafia, M Berkani, ... Wastewater Treatment, 79-119 , 2026 2026
Photo-Fenton and Ultrasound Processes: Applications and Efficiency Improvements for Liquid Waste Treatment I El Mrabet, H Bellouk, Z Chaouki, K Tanji, Y Darmane, M Benzina, ... Wastewater Treatment, 168-186 , 2026 2026
Treatment of Wastewater Using Biochars and Hybrid Composites M Ghazoui, AS Sylla, S Dabali, A Hasib, K Esslimani, B Benadda, ... Wastewater Treatment, 120-142 , 2026 2026
Sustainability and Environmental Impact in Liquid Waste Treatment: Innovations, Strategies, and Future Perspectives A Hafdi, O El Wafi, M Mouhsin, MA Kasbaji, M Kasbaji, K Khaless, ... Wastewater Treatment, 263-302 , 2026 2026
Enhanced β-phase formation and multifunctional properties of PVDF-HFP/PMMA/graphene oxide nanocomposite films for potential energy harvesting applications K Oumghar, S Douhi, M El Achaby, M Rguiti, O Cherkaoui, A Eddiai Diamond and Related Materials, 113432 , 2026 2026
Optimized acid-leaching recovery of Iron from pyrrhotite waste and hydrothermal crystallization of high-purity α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles for magnetic applications Y Esshouba, T Mahfoud, Y Tamraoui, H El Moussaoui, M El Achaby Chemical Engineering Journal, 173670 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
The meta-analysis study on the effects of the quality of lime materials on the soil physicochemical properties and crop yields in acid soils W Makaza, L Khiari, M El Achaby Frontiers in Soil Science 6, 1725559 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Flame-Retardant Separators Based on Phosphorylated Cellulose Derived from Alfa Fibers for Lithium-Ion Batteries HE Fallah, M Aqil, AA Benhamou, A Amarray, S Boukind, ME Achaby, ... Waste and Biomass Valorization 17 (2), 1029-1043 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Recovery of Ferromagnetic Hematite Submicron Particles from Pyrrhotite Ash and Comprehensive Study of Their Structural, Morphological, and Magnetic Properties Y Esshouba, T Mahfoud, Y Tamraoui, EK Hlil, H El Moussaoui, ... ACS omega , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
A Detailed Study of NiFe2O4-PVDF Magnetic Composites: Structural Stability and Superior Magnetic Properties for Functional Applications S Baayyad, C Bahloul, FZ Semlali, EK Hlil, T Mahfoud, H El Moussaoui, ... Composites Science and Technology, 111521 , 2026 2026
Green Hybrid Biopolymeric Beads for Efficient Removal of Copper Ions from Aqueous Solutions: Experimental Studies Assisted by Monte Carlo Simulation I Barrak, I Ayouch, Z Kassab, Y Abdellaoui, J Raissouni, S Sair, ... Analytica 7 (1), 5 , 2026 2026
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Piezoelectric β-polymorph formation and properties enhancement in graphene oxide–PVDF nanocomposite films M El Achaby, FZ Arrakhiz, S Vaudreuil, EM Essassi, A Qaiss Applied Surface Science 258 (19), 7668-7677 , 2012 2012 Citations: 496
Bio-nanocomposite films reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals: Rheology of film-forming solutions, transparency, water vapor barrier and tensile properties of films N El Miri, K Abdelouahdi, A Barakat, M Zahouily, A Fihri, A Solhy, ... Carbohydrate Polymers 129, 156-167 , 2015 2015 Citations: 443
Mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of graphene‐based polypropylene nanocomposites prepared by melt mixing M El Achaby, FE Arrakhiz, S Vaudreuil, A el Kacem Qaiss, M Bousmina, ... Polymer composites 33 (5), 733-744 , 2012 2012 Citations: 415
Mechanical and thermal properties of natural fibers reinforced polymer composites: Doum/low density polyethylene FZ Arrakhiz, M El Achaby, M Malha, MO Bensalah, O Fassi-Fehri, ... Materials & Design 43, 200-205 , 2013 2013 Citations: 408
Processing and properties of polyethylene reinforced by graphene nanosheets and carbon nanotubes M El Achaby, A Qaiss Materials & Design (1980-2015) 44, 81-89 , 2013 2013 Citations: 278
Processing and properties of eco-friendly bio-nanocomposite films filled with cellulose nanocrystals from sugarcane bagasse M El Achaby, N El Miri, A Aboulkas, M Zahouily, E Bilal, A Barakat, ... International journal of biological macromolecules 96, 340-352 , 2017 2017 Citations: 271
Reuse of red algae waste for the production of cellulose nanocrystals and its application in polymer nanocomposites M El Achaby, Z Kassab, A Aboulkas, C Gaillard, A Barakat International journal of biological macromolecules 106, 681-691 , 2018 2018 Citations: 266
Synthesis and Toxicity of Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles: A Literature Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies A Rhazouani, H Gamrani, M El Achaby, K Aziz, L Gebrati, MS Uddin, ... BioMed Research International 2021 (1), 5518999 , 2021 2021 Citations: 251
Mechanical properties of high density polyethylene reinforced with chemically modified coir fibers: Impact of chemical treatments FZ Arrakhiz, M El Achaby, AC Kakou, S Vaudreuil, K Benmoussa, ... Materials & Design 37, 379-383 , 2012 2012 Citations: 249
Mechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene reinforced with Alfa fiber under different chemical treatment FZ Arrakhiz, M Elachaby, R Bouhfid, S Vaudreuil, M Essassi, A Qaiss Materials & Design 35, 318-322 , 2012 2012 Citations: 236
Valorization of algal waste via pyrolysis in a fixed-bed reactor: production and characterization of bio-oil and bio-char A Aboulkas, H Hammani, M El Achaby, E Bilal, A Barakat Bioresource technology 243, 400-408 , 2017 2017 Citations: 227
Bio‐nanocomposite films based on cellulose nanocrystals filled polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan polymer blend N El Miri, K Abdelouahdi, M Zahouily, A Fihri, A Barakat, A Solhy, ... Journal of applied polymer science 132 (22) , 2015 2015 Citations: 226
Alfa fibers as viable sustainable source for cellulose nanocrystals extraction: Application for improving the tensile properties of biopolymer nanocomposite films M El Achaby, Z Kassab, A Barakat, A Aboulkas Industrial Crops and Products 112, 499-510 , 2018 2018 Citations: 220
Improved mechanical properties of k-carrageenan-based nanocomposite films reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals Z Kassab, F Aziz, H Hannache, HB Youcef, M El Achaby International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 123, 1248-1256 , 2019 2019 Citations: 195
Morphological, structural, thermal and tensile properties of high density polyethylene composites reinforced with treated argan nut shell particles H Essabir, M El Achaby, EM Hilali, R Bouhfid, AEI Qaiss Journal of Bionic Engineering 12 (1), 129-141 , 2015 2015 Citations: 194
Micro-and nano-celluloses derived from hemp stalks and their effect as polymer reinforcing materials Z Kassab, Y Abdellaoui, MH Salim, R Bouhfid, AEK Qaiss, M El Achaby Carbohydrate polymers 245, 116506 , 2020 2020 Citations: 189
Tomato plant residue as new renewable source for cellulose production: extraction of cellulose nanocrystals with different surface functionalities Z Kassab, I Kassem, H Hannache, R Bouhfid, AEK Qaiss, M El Achaby Cellulose 27 (8), 4287-4303 , 2020 2020 Citations: 183
Evaluation of mechanical and thermal properties of Pine cone fibers reinforced compatibilized polypropylene FZ Arrakhiz, M El Achaby, K Benmoussa, R Bouhfid, EM Essassi, A Qaiss Materials & Design 40, 528-535 , 2012 2012 Citations: 161
Synergistic effect of cellulose nanocrystals/graphene oxide nanosheets as functional hybrid nanofiller for enhancing properties of PVA nanocomposites N El Miri, M El Achaby, A Fihri, M Larzek, M Zahouily, K Abdelouahdi, ... Carbohydrate polymers 137, 239-248 , 2016 2016 Citations: 157
A comprehensive review of polysaccharide-based hydrogels as promising biomaterials A Berradi, F Aziz, ME Achaby, N Ouazzani, L Mandi Polymers 15 (13), 2908 , 2023 2023 Citations: 146