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
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, et al. 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.
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, et al. 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, et al. 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