PhD Efficient Recycling of WEEE Thermoplastics for Secondary Applications (Current) 2023 – Present
School of Computing, Engineering and Technology, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom Research focus: Analysing fibre and compatibiliser effects on WEEE-derived thermoplastic recycling
PhD Fibre Science and Polymer Technology March 2023
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
MSc Textile Science and Technology May 2014
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
BSc Textile Science and Technology February 2010
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Materials Science, Polymers and Plastics, Mechanics of Materials, Materials Chemistry
Characterization of Resin-Infused Nonwoven Natural Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Renewable Energy Structural Applications: Comparative Experimental and Finite Element Analysis Macaulay M. Owen, Leong Sing Wong, Emmanuel O. Achukwu, Solehuddin Shuib, Norashidah Binti Md Din Polymer Composites, 2025 Natural resource‐based composites are biodegradable, eco‐friendly, and sustainable; however, variations in their properties and performance quality present significant challenges. This study presents the fabrication and performance evaluation of nonwoven natural fiber epoxy composites intended for structural applications in renewable energy systems. The objective is to assess the mechanical and thermal behavior of resin‐infused nonwoven coir, palm, and kenaf fiber laminates, produced via vacuum bagging infusion technique, as sustainable alternatives to synthetic composites. Mechanical characterization included tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness testing, while thermal behavior was evaluated through thermogravimetric analysis. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was employed to predict stress distribution, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the statistical significance of material and treatment effects. All treated nonwoven composites exhibited enhanced performance compared to untreated counterparts. Treated palm fiber composites achieved the highest impact energy absorption (5.90 J), while treated kenaf composites recorded superior tensile strength (56.12 MPa), flexural strength (76.70 MPa), and hardness (114 HRB), showing improvements of 16.9%, 36%, and 12.5%, respectively over untreated counterparts. Thermal onset degradation for treated kenaf composites reached 342°C. ANOVA results confirmed that fiber type and treatment had statistically significant effects on mechanical performance ( p ≤ 0.05). FEA predictions closely matched experimental trends, validating model accuracy. These findings support the suitability of bio‐based composites for lightweight, high‐performance and thermally stable components in renewable energy infrastructure such as wind turbine blades and solar panel frames.
Extraction and analysis of kenaf cellulose nanoparticles using improved chemo-mechanical methods David Daniel, Okon Bassey Samuel, Emmanuel Okechukwu Achukwu, Sylvester Gadimoh, Joseph Michael, et al. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part N Journal of Nanomaterials Nanoengineering and Nanosystems, 2025 Kenaf-derived cellulose nanoparticles (KNP) have gained attention due to their sustainability and eco-friendliness. However, challenges such as hydrophilicity, low yield, and thermal instability limit their application in fiber-reinforced composites. This study presents an improved chemo-mechanical method for extracting KNP, achieving a high yield of 65.5%. Characterization using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) confirmed the removal of lignin and hemicellulose, with a crystallinity index increase from 49.06% to 87.5%. TEM analysis revealed nanoparticle diameters ranging from 50 to 100 nm. These results highlight the enhanced structural properties of KNP, making them suitable for nanocomposites and advanced engineering applications.
Recycling effects on the bending, rheological, and structural properties of glass fiber-reinforced isotactic polypropylene composites EO Achukwu, MM Owen, A Danladi, BM Dauda, AZ Romli, et al. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 2024 In the present work, a combination of virgin polypropylene and E-glass fiber was subjected to ten (10) reprocessing cycles via extrusion and compression molding techniques to mimic recycling and its impacts on the bending properties of the composites. The samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and melt flow index (MFI). The results revealed a gradual depreciation in flexural properties after each reprocessing cycle. The XRD analysis indicated a substantial reduction of peak intensities, degrees of crystallinities, and average crystallite sizes, explaining the lowered flexural properties in addition to a possible reduction in glass fiber lengths (fiber attrition). Melt-processing behavior shows a progressive increase of MFI from 7 to 19.16 g/10 min, confirming the probable damage in molecular weight and loss of complex viscosity. Chemical and structural analysis showed no alteration in the polypropylene major functional groups. It is concluded that the reductions in molecular weight and composites’ properties occurred due to chain scission from recycling effects; hence, glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites can be recycled only three (3) times unless it is refreshed by the addition of virgin parts to compensate for the lost property.
Mechanical and thermal characterization of resin-infused cotton fabric/epoxy composites: Influence of woven construction parameters and surface treatments Macaulay M. Owen, Leong S. Wong, Emmanuel O. Achukwu, Ahmad Z. Romli, Solehuddin B. Shuib Journal of Industrial Textiles, 2024 This study explores the mechanical and thermal characterization of epoxy-based composites reinforced with chemically modified woven cotton fabrics using the resin infusion technique. The woven fabrics construction parameters were varied in terms of weft yarn counts (16, 20, and 24 Tex) and pick densities as defined by pick wheel teeth (PWT) (30, 36, and 41 T). The fabrics were surface treated with 6% concentration of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) using the alkali treatment method. The obtained results revealed that mechanical strength improved with decreasing weft yarn count and increasing PWT. Notably, chemically treated composites with the highest PWT exhibited superior strength compared to untreated counterparts, attributed to more compact microstructures, reduced fabric/fiber breakages, and enhanced interfacial bonding between the reinforced plain-woven cotton fabric and epoxy matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that all composites have higher thermal stability above 300°C, with untreated fabric composites exhibiting the highest resistance to degradation, whereas the treated composite quickly degraded at an onset temperature of 288.4°C due to the removal of the hemicellulose, decomposition of the cellulose, and lignin content. In conclusion, the study indicates that surface treatment and woven construction parameters such as weft yarn counts and pick wheel teeth, as well as the resin infusion technique, significantly influence the mechanical, microstructural, and thermal properties of resin-infused woven cotton reinforced composites for potential application in industrial and automotive sectors, offering lightweight, durable solutions for components such as construction and building panels, doors, and roof panels.
Composites techniques optimization and finite element analysis of kenaf fiber reinforced epoxy nonwoven composite structures for renewable energy infrastructure Macaulay M Owen, Leong Sing Wong, Emmanuel O Achukwu, Ahmad Zafir Romli, Muhammad Naufal Nazeri, et al. Journal of Industrial Textiles, 2024 In exploring the viability of kenaf fiber-reinforced epoxy nonwoven composites (KFRECs) for renewable energy infrastructure, the optimization of their manufacturing techniques for maximum performance remains a significant research gap. This study addresses this challenge by investigating the optimization of nonwoven composites’ fabrication techniques to enhance their mechanical, thermal, and microstructural robustness. Thus, an innovative vacuum double-bagging technique was compared with single-bagging and hand lay-up methods aimed at evaluating their impact on tensile and flexural strength, hardness, impact, and thermal resistance. The obtained results indicate that the vacuum single-bagging method significantly improved tensile and impact strength by 16% and 38.5%, respectively, while the vacuum double-bagging offered the greatest improvements in flexural strength and hardness, with increases of 112.6% and 15.3%, respectively, compared to the hand lay-up technique. SEM analysis confirmed the vacuum processing techniques produced well-consolidated composite structures with uniform fiber distribution, complete wettability, a good fiber-matrix interface, and a reduced void content, leading to improved material properties. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations revealed a variation in tensile stress of approximately 22.4% and a close agreement with a minimal variation of 2.1% in flexural stress, further validating these optimized techniques. The results also correlate with enhanced thermal behavior and rigidity at elevated temperatures, with the vacuum double-bagging technique exhibiting the highest thermal stability for the demanding conditions of the energy infrastructure sector. The study concludes that the choice of fabrication technique is pivotal for advancing the design, properties and performance of KFRECs, for sustainable energy structures.
Sustainable Hybrid Composite Ceiling Tiles from Waste LDPE Reinforced with Sida acuta Fibers and Recycled Paper Pulp Nanofillers: Mechanical, Thermal and Microstructural … AA Aliu, M Isah, MM Owen, DS Ametefe, D John, EO Achukwu, ... Results in Engineering, 110302 , 2026 2026
Characterization of Resin‐Infused Nonwoven Natural Fiber‐Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Renewable Energy Structural Applications: Comparative Experimental and Finite Element … MM Owen, LS Wong, EO Achukwu, S Shuib, NBM Din Polymer Composites 46 (18), 16665-16687 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Digitalisation and green strategies: a systematic review of the textile, apparel and fashion industries EA Orisadare, OE Achukwu, AA Ogunyemi, DO Adedeji, IJ Diyaolu, ... Circular Economy and Sustainability 5 (4), 2775-2827 , 2025 2025 Citations: 38
Performance characterization of VARI-processed plain-woven glass/jute hybrid epoxy composites for renewable energy infrastructures: Experimental–numerical synergy MM Owen, LS Wong, NBM Din, EO Achukwu, S Shuib Journal of Materials Research and Technology , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
Comparative evaluation of the performance properties of resin-infused plain-woven jute reinforced thermoset composites for energy infrastructure: Experimental analysis, finite … MM Owen, LS Wong, EO Achukwu, AZ Romli, DS Ametefe, S Shuib Results in Engineering 26, 105620 , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance of Epoxy Coatings Enhanced with MXene and Diverse Nano-Fillers MS Saharudin, NA Che Nasir, AA Janjua, AE Okechukwu, NH Faisal, ... Solid State Phenomena 370, 25-32 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Extraction and analysis of kenaf cellulose nanoparticles using improved chemo-mechanical methods D Daniel, OB Samuel, EO Achukwu, S Gadimoh, J Michael, BM Dauda, ... Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part N: Journal of … , 2025 2025
Digitalisation and Green Strategies: A Systematic review of the textile, apparel and fashion industries. Circular Economy and Sustainability EA Orisadare, OE Achukwu, AA Ogunyemi, DO Adedeji, IJ Diyaolu, ... doi. org/1 0 1 (0), 0 , 2025 2025 Citations: 10
Enhancing Epoxy Polymer Composites with MXene Nanosheets for Improved Thermal Performance AA Janjua, MS Saharudin, AE Okechukwu, M Younas, NH Faisal Journal of Nano Research 87, 101-109 , 2025 2025
Finite Element Analysis of Stress Distribution in Alkali-Peroxide Treated Epoxy Composites with Various Woven Cotton Structures MM Owen, LS Wong, EO Achukwu, S Shuib, HM Akil Journal of natural fibers 21 (1), 2434657 , 2024 2024 Citations: 9
Enhanced mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of waste PET plastics reinforced with coated biodegradable kenaf fibers for infrastructure applications MM Owen, LS Wong, EO Achukwu, MS Saharudin, HM Akil Construction and Building Materials 442, 137659 , 2024 2024 Citations: 23
Composites techniques optimization and finite element analysis of kenaf fiber reinforced epoxy nonwoven composite structures for renewable energy infrastructure MM Owen, LS Wong, EO Achukwu, AZ Romli, MN Nazeri, S Shuib Journal of Industrial Textiles 54, 15280837241283963 , 2024 2024 Citations: 11
Mechanical and morphological characterizations of epoxy composites reinforced with surface modified woven cotton structures using vacuum bagging technique MM Owen, EO Achukwu, A Anjang Ab Rahman, AZ Romli, MR Ahmad, ... The Journal of the Textile Institute 115 (9), 1606-1620 , 2024 2024 Citations: 16
Mechanical and thermal characterization of resin-infused cotton fabric/epoxy composites: influence of woven construction parameters and surface treatments MM Owen, LS Wong, EO Achukwu, AZ Romli, SB Shuib Journal of Industrial Textiles 54, 15280837241267817 , 2024 2024 Citations: 13
Recycling effects on the bending, rheological, and structural properties of glass fiber-reinforced isotactic polypropylene composites EO Achukwu, MM Owen, A Danladi, BM Dauda, AZ Romli, SB Shuib, ... Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites 43 (9-10), 532-546 , 2024 2024 Citations: 12
Recent advances on improving the mechanical and thermal properties of kenaf fibers/engineering thermoplastic composites using novel coating techniques: A review MM Owen, EO Achukwu, AZ Romli, H Md Akil Composite Interfaces 30 (8), 849-875 , 2023 2023 Citations: 55
Improved Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Kenaf Fiber/ABS Polymer Composites via Resin Coating Treatment. MM Owen, EO Achukwu, AZ Romli, MH Ramlee, AH Abdullah, S Shuib, ... Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology 31 , 2023 2023 Citations: 11
Thermal and mechanical characterization of composite materials from industrial plastic wastes and recycled nylon fibers for floor paving tiles application MM Owen, EO Achukwu, AZ Romli, AHB Abdullah, MH Ramlee, SB Shuib Waste management 166, 25-34 , 2023 2023 Citations: 51
Effects of high‐temperature optimization and resin coating treatment on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of natural kenaf fiber‐filled engineering plastic … MM Owen, EO Achukwu, SB Shuib, ZR Ahmad, AH Abdullah, US Ishiaku Polymer Composites, 1-18 , 2023 2023 Citations: 38
Effect of reprocessing on the service life properties of glass fiber-reinforced in-house polypropylene waste composites EO Achukwu, MM Owen, SB Shuib, A Umar, AO Abdulmalik, A Danladi, ... Advanced Manufacturing: Polymer & Composites Science 9 (1), 2195317 , 2023 2023 Citations: 26
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Recent advances on improving the mechanical and thermal properties of kenaf fibers/engineering thermoplastic composites using novel coating techniques: A review MM Owen, EO Achukwu, AZ Romli, H Md Akil Composite Interfaces 30 (8), 849-875 , 2023 2023 Citations: 55
Thermal and mechanical characterization of composite materials from industrial plastic wastes and recycled nylon fibers for floor paving tiles application MM Owen, EO Achukwu, AZ Romli, AHB Abdullah, MH Ramlee, SB Shuib Waste management 166, 25-34 , 2023 2023 Citations: 51
Characterization of recycled and virgin polyethylene terephthalate composites reinforced with modified kenaf fibers for automotive application MM Owen, EO Achukwu, AM Hazizan, AZ Romli, US Ishiaku Polymer Composites 43 (11), 7724-7738 , 2022 2022 Citations: 47
Digitalisation and green strategies: a systematic review of the textile, apparel and fashion industries EA Orisadare, OE Achukwu, AA Ogunyemi, DO Adedeji, IJ Diyaolu, ... Circular Economy and Sustainability 5 (4), 2775-2827 , 2025 2025 Citations: 38
Effects of high‐temperature optimization and resin coating treatment on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of natural kenaf fiber‐filled engineering plastic … MM Owen, EO Achukwu, SB Shuib, ZR Ahmad, AH Abdullah, US Ishiaku Polymer Composites, 1-18 , 2023 2023 Citations: 38
Mechanical properties of sisal fibre-reinforced epoxy composites-effect of alkali concentrations MM Owen, CO Ogunleye, EO Achukwu Adv Polym Sci Technol 5 (3), 26-31 , 2015 2015 Citations: 31
Physical and mechanical properties of flamboyant (Delonix Regia) pod filled polyester composites EO Achukwu, JO Odey, MM Owen, N Lawal, GA Oyilagu, AI Adamu Heliyon 8 (1) , 2022 2022 Citations: 30
Effect of epoxy concentrations on thermo-mechanical properties of kenaf fiber–recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) composites MM Owen, EO Achukwu, HM Akil, AZ Romli, MS Zainol Abidin, ... Journal of Industrial Textiles 52, 15280837221127441 , 2022 2022 Citations: 29
Mechanical properties of plied cotton fabric-coated unsaturated polyester composites: effects of alkali treatments EO Achukwu, BM Dauda, US Ishiaku International Journal of Composite Materials 5 (4), 71-78 , 2015 2015 Citations: 28
Effect of glass fiber loading and reprocessing cycles on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of isotactic polypropylene composites EO Achukwu, MM Owen, A Danladi, BM Dauda, AZ Romli, US Ishiaku, ... Journal of Applied Polymer Science 140 (10), e53588 , 2023 2023 Citations: 27
Effect of reprocessing on the service life properties of glass fiber-reinforced in-house polypropylene waste composites EO Achukwu, MM Owen, SB Shuib, A Umar, AO Abdulmalik, A Danladi, ... Advanced Manufacturing: Polymer & Composites Science 9 (1), 2195317 , 2023 2023 Citations: 26
Enhanced mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of waste PET plastics reinforced with coated biodegradable kenaf fibers for infrastructure applications MM Owen, LS Wong, EO Achukwu, MS Saharudin, HM Akil Construction and Building Materials 442, 137659 , 2024 2024 Citations: 23
Preparation and mechanical characterizations of water hyacinth fiber based thermoset epoxy composite MM Owen, EO Achukwu, H Md Akil Journal of Natural Fibers 19 (16), 13970-13984 , 2022 2022 Citations: 23
Effect of varying processing temperatures on the mechanical and microstructural properties of kenaf fibre-ABS composites for moderate temperature applications MM Owen, EO Achukwu, IO Arukalam, AZ Romli Polymers from Renewable Resources 13 (3), 154-169 , 2022 2022 Citations: 19
Effects of fabric pattern on the mechanical properties of cotton fabric/unsaturated polyester composites E Achukwu, B Dauda, U Ishiaku British Journal of Applied Science & Technology 11 (4), 1-11 , 2015 2015 Citations: 19
Mechanical and morphological characterizations of epoxy composites reinforced with surface modified woven cotton structures using vacuum bagging technique MM Owen, EO Achukwu, A Anjang Ab Rahman, AZ Romli, MR Ahmad, ... The Journal of the Textile Institute 115 (9), 1606-1620 , 2024 2024 Citations: 16
Fabrication of Palm Kernel Shell Epoxy Composites and Study of Their Mechanical Properties MIU E. O. Achukwu, A. M. Barnabas, A. Mamman Nigerian Journal of Materials Science and Engineering 6 (1), 32-38 , 2015 2015 Citations: 16
Mechanical and thermal characterization of resin-infused cotton fabric/epoxy composites: influence of woven construction parameters and surface treatments MM Owen, LS Wong, EO Achukwu, AZ Romli, SB Shuib Journal of Industrial Textiles 54, 15280837241267817 , 2024 2024 Citations: 13
Recycling effects on the bending, rheological, and structural properties of glass fiber-reinforced isotactic polypropylene composites EO Achukwu, MM Owen, A Danladi, BM Dauda, AZ Romli, SB Shuib, ... Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites 43 (9-10), 532-546 , 2024 2024 Citations: 12
Composites techniques optimization and finite element analysis of kenaf fiber reinforced epoxy nonwoven composite structures for renewable energy infrastructure MM Owen, LS Wong, EO Achukwu, AZ Romli, MN Nazeri, S Shuib Journal of Industrial Textiles 54, 15280837241283963 , 2024 2024 Citations: 11