Meet the Team
Prof. Hesham Moustafa,
Professor
Ext. 74014
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Dr. Hesham Abd El-Hay Zaki Moustafa, Professor of Polymer Science & Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Standards TOP 2% Scientists based on Stanford University appraisal.
Scopus ID: 35305249800 (Articles: 54, h-index: 27, Cit.: 2286 “on 09-07-2026”) https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=35305249800 ORCID ID: 0000-0002-1034-8663
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=P_VMRcwAAAAJ
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dr-Hesham-Moustafa
Current research areas
✓ It focuses on the preparation and biosynthesis of nanomaterials for integration into polymer matrices to create nanocomposite films for use as sensors for intelligent/active food packaging, nanomembranes for water purification, photocatalytic materials for removing toxic dyes from polluted water, flame retardancy, and other applications.
✓ Food quality and food safety, as well as water security.
✓ Biopolymers, bio-functional materials, and synthesis.
✓ Preparation of certified reference materials (CRMs) for monitoring the quality control of Water Activity devices. ✓ Preparation of CRMs based on polymeric materials for quality control of Melt Flow Index.
Education background
Post-doctoral Fellowship in fabrication of nanomembranes based on polymeric nanocomposites for toxic metals and microbes’ removal from polluted water, Dalhousie University, Canada Mar. 2025- Aug. 2025
Post-doctoral Fellowship in green nanocomposite materials for sustainable food packaging, Grenoble University, France May 2016- Nov. 2016
PhD., Physical Chemistry, “Université de Haute Alsace, UHA” (CNRS-UHA) Mulhouse, France Dissertation “Influence of platelet nanoparticles on the fire resistance of crosslinked EPDM-g-MA and its bilayer assemblies”. 2009-2013
M.Sc., Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University Thesis “Effect of some fillers and plasticizers on the physico-chemical and physico-mechanical properties of natural rubber and synthetic rubber” 2001-2004
B.Sc. Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University 1992-1996
Teaching experience
Syllabus name: Standardization, Quality Assurance, and Quality Control, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Egypt 2022/2023
Syllabus name: Standardization, Quality Assurance, and Quality Control, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Egypt 2021/2022
Syllabus name: Applied & Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Arts, Benha University, Egypt 2019/2020
List of publications
2026
1. Hesham Moustafa, Abdel-Haleem Fatehy M., et al. “Effective photocatalytic and antibacterial nanomembranes from a GO-grafted dapsone-incorporated chitosan/gelatin blend for enhancing the removal of toxic dyes from wastewater” RSC Advances, 2026, 16(30), 27319–27338 (Q1)
2. Hesham Moustafa, Abdel-Haleem Fatehy M., et al. “Development of sustainable plasticwood from LDPE reinforced with upcycling Eichhornia crassipes agro-fibers and natural rosin acids: mechanical, anti-flammability, and antibacterial properties” Journal of Wood Chemistry and Technology, 2026, 46(4), pp. 229–242 (Q2)
3. Hesham Moustafa, Abdel-Haleem Fatehy M., Hemida H. Mohamed “Sustainable antibacterial nanocoating from polycaprolactone grafted with dapsone and silver nanoparticles for boosting the properties of bagasse paperboard for active food packaging” RSC Advances, 2026, 16(13), 11496–11505 (Q1)
4. Mohamed Shemis; Hesham Moustafa; Fatma H Salman et al. “Efficient sustainable nanocarrier based on graphene oxide functionalized with antitumor methotrexate for cancer therapy” Next Research, 2026, 5, 101368 (Q3)
2025
1. Isawi, Heba, Abdel-Haleem, Fatehy M., …., Hesham Moustafa “Improving elimination of both toxic metals and dyes from wastewater using bioactive staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) extracts in PVA/chitosan composites” Bioresource Technology Reports, 2025, 32, 102426. (Q1)
2. Hesham Moustafa, Ahmed E. M., Hemida M. et al. “Surface grafting GO nanoplatelets with antimicrobial rosin acids for strengthening photocatalytic of chitosan/gelatin nanocomposites” Diamond and Related Materials, 2025, 157, 112552 (Q1)
3. Hesham Moustafa, M. H. Hemida, M. Nour, A. I Abou-Kandil” Intelligent packaging films based on two-dimensional nanomaterials for food safety and quality monitoring: Future insights and roadblocks” Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials,2025,38(3) 1208–1230 (Q1)
4. H. Isawi, E. M. Ahmed, M. Rabee, Hesham Moustafa. “Using natural antioxidant Rhubarb extracts in PVA/chitosan bio-adsorbent films for efficient removal of cationic and anionic dyes from polluted water” Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 2025, 141, 626- 644. (Q1)
5. Hesham Moustafa et al. “Influence of Eichhornia crassipes‐Derived Cellulose Nanocrystals and ZnO Nanoparticles on Moisture and Biological Properties of PVA/PVP Nanocomposites for Smart Agriculture” Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2025, 142(40), e57551 (Q2).
6. F. M. Abdel-Haleem, M. Hemida, Hesham Moustafa “Impact of different types of treated nanoclays on physico-mechanical, thermal and antibacterial properties of EPDMgMA nanocomposites” Journal of adhesion science and Technology, 2025, 39(20),3099–3115 (Q2)
7. H. M. Eyssa, Hesham Moustafa, W. Helal, M. H. Sanad. “Utilization of Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials for Enhancing the PhysicoMechanical Properties of Gamma-Irradiated Sensitization of EPDM Composites Seal Materials” Polymer Engineering & Science, 2025, 65(10), pp. 5364–5377 (Q1)
2024
1- A. Madbouly, M. Morsy, Hesham Moustafa. “Utilization of torrefied date stones with synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles for promoting humidity sensing of PVA/PVP nanocomposites for smart food packaging and biomedical applications”. Ceramics International, 2024. 50(20), 38522–38531. (Q1)
2- Mohamed H. Hemida, Hesham Moustafa, Sherif Mehanny et al. “Valorization of Eichhornia crassipes for the production of cellulose nanocrystals further investigation of plethoric biobased resource”. Scientific Reports, 2024, 14(1), 12387. (Q1)
3- Hesham Moustafa, Shemis, M.A., Ahmed, E.M., Isawi, H. “Improvement of hybrid polyvinyl chloride/dapsone membrane using synthesized silver nanoparticles for the efficient removal of heavy metals, microorganisms, and phosphate and nitrate compounds from polluted water”. RSC Advances, 2024, 14(28), 19680–19700. (Q1)
4- Hesham Moustafa, Fawzy Ibrahim, S., Ahmed, E.M., Atef, H. “The use of decorated titanium oxide nanoparticles for the development of handmade textile heritage in Egyptian villages: Design, mechanical,flammability, and antibacterial properties”. Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology, 2024, 30(3), 855–867. (Q1)
5- Hesham Moustafa, Barakat, M.A.Y., El-Wakil, A.E.-A.A., Darwish, N.A. “Expanded bentonite clay by bio-adhesive resins and its impact on the mechanical, adhesion, and ultrasonic properties of NR/SBR/polyester cords systems”. Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, 2024, 38 (17), 3249-3271. (Q1)
6- Hesham Moustafa, Hanaa E. Nasr & Ahmed M. Youssef “Development of antibacterial carboxymethyl cellulose /quaternized starch bionanocomposites based on cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsion for wound healing applications” Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 2024, 14, 27477–27489. (Q1)
2023
1- Hesham Moustafa, M. H. Hemida, M. A. Shemis, A. Dufresne, M. Morsy. “Functionalized GO nanoplatelets with folic acid as a novel material for boosting humidity sensing of chitosan/PVA nanocomposites for active food packaging”. Surfaces and Interfaces, 2023, 41, 103229. (Q1)
2- Hesham Moustafa et al. “Biosynthesis of MgO Nanoparticles and Their Impact on the Properties of the PVA/Gelatin Nanocomposites for Smart Food Packaging Applications”. ACS Applied Bio Materials, 2023, 6(11), pp. 5037–5051. (Q1)
3- E. M. Ahmed, H. Isaw, M. Morsy, M. H. Hemida, Hesham Moustafa. “Effective nanomembranes from chitosan/PVA blend decorated graphene oxide with gum rosin and silver nanoparticles for removal of heavy metals and microbes from water resources”. Surfaces and Interfaces, 2023, 39, 102980. (Q1)
4- Hesham Moustafa, S. M. El-Sayed, A. M. Youssef. “Synergistic impact of cumin essential oil on enhancing of UV-blocking and antibacterial activity of biodegradable Poly (butylene adipate-coterephthalate)/clay platelets nanocomposites”. Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, 2023, 36(1), 96–117. (Q1)
5- Hanan Eyssa, Mohamed Afifi, Hesham Moustafa. “Improvement of the acoustic and mechanical properties of sponge ethylene propylene diene rubber/carbon nanotube composites crosslinked by subsequent sulfur and electron beam irradiation”. Polymer International, 2023, 72(1), 87–98. (Q1)
6- M. H. Hemida, Hesham Moustafa, S. Mehanny, Mohamed Morsy, Alain Dufresne, Eid N. Abd EL Rahman, M.M. Ibrahim. “Cellulose nanocrystals from agricultural residues (Eichhornia crassipes): Extraction and characterization”. Heliyon, 2023, 9(6), e16436. (Q1)
7- Morsy M., Abdel-Salam A., Gomaa I., Moustafa Hesham, Kalil H., Helal A. “Highly Efficient Photocatalysts for Methylene Blue Degradation Based on a Platform of Deposited GO-ZnO Nanoparticles on Polyurethane Foam”. Molecules, 2023, 28(1), 108. (Q1)
2022
1- Hesham Moustafa, Heba Isawi, S.M. Abd El Wahab. “Utilization of PVA nano-membrane based synthesized magnetic GO-Ni-Fe2O4 nanoparticles for removal of heavy metals from water resources”. Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management, 2022, 18, 100696. (Q1)
2- Hesham Moustafa, N. A. Darwish, Ahmed M. Youssef. “Rational formulations of sustainable polyurethane/chitin/rosin composites reinforced with ZnO-doped-SiO2 nanoparticles for green packaging applications”. Food Chemistry, 2022,371, 131193. (Q1)
3- El-Wakil, A.E.-A.A., Hesham Moustafa, Youssef, A.M. “Antimicrobial low-density polyethylene/low-density polyethylene-grafted acrylic acid biocomposites based on rice bran with tea tree oil for food packaging applications” Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, 2022, 35(7) 938–956. (Q1)
4- Hesham Moustafa, Emad M Ahmed, Mohamed Morsy. “Bio-based antibacterial packaging from decorated bagasse papers with natural rosin and synthesized GO-Ag nanoparticles”. Materials Technology: Advanced Performance Materials, 2022, 37(13), 2766–2776. (Q1)
5- El-Wakil, A.A., Hesham Moustafa, Abdel-Hakim, A. “Effect of LDPEg-MA as a compatibilizer for LDPE/PA6 blend on the phase morphology and mechanical properties”. Polymer Bulletin, 2022, 79(4), 2249–2262. (Q1)
2021
1- Hesham Moustafa, Abdallah M. Karmalawi, Ahmed M.Youssef. “Development of Dapsone-capped TiO2 hybrid nanocomposites and their effects on the UV radiation, mechanical, thermal properties and antibacterial activity of PVA bionanocomposites”. Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management, 2021, 16, 100482. (Q1)
2- Hesham Moustafa, Mohamed Morsy, M. A. Ateia, F. M. AbdelHaleem. “Ultrafast response humidity sensors based on polyvinyl chloride/graphene oxide nanocomposites for intelligent food packaging”. Sensors and Actuators A: Physical 2021,331, 112918. (Q1)
3- Hesham Moustafa, S. El-Mogy, S. A. Ibrahim, A. Awad, N. A. Darwish. “Bio-enveloping inorganic filler based eggshell wastes for enhancing the properties of natural rubber biocomposites”. Tire Science and Technology, 2021, 49 (4): 315–331. (Q2)
4- Hesham Moustafa, I. F. Tahoun, A. I. Abou-Kandil, N. A. Darwish. Characterization of low-density polyethylene reference material for melt flow rate by collaboration of NIS and a network of competent laboratories. Journal of Chemical Metrology, 2021, 15:2, 102-112. (Q3)
5- Hesham Moustafa, Darwish, N.A., Youssef, A.M. “Facile coating of carbon nanotubes by different resins for enhancing mechanical, electrical properties and adhesion strength of NR/Nylon 66 systems”. Journal of Adhesion, 2021, 97(9), 801–820. (Q1)
2020
1- Hesham Moustafa, A. A. El-Wakil, M. T. Nour, A. M. Youssef. “Kenaf fibre treatment and its impact on the static, dynamic, hydrophobicity and barrier properties of sustainable polystyrene biocomposites”. RSC Advances, 2020; 10, 29296–29305. (Q1)
2- Hesham Moustafa, Lawandy, S.N., Rabee, M., Zahran, M.A.H. "Effect of green modification of nanoclay on the adhesion behavior of EPDM rubber to polyester fabric”. International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives, 2020; 100,102617. (Q1)
3- Ibrahim, M.M., Hesham Moustafa, El Rahman E.N.A., Mehanny, S., Hemida, M.H., El-Kashif. “Reinforcement of starch based biodegradable composite using Nile rose residues”. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 2020; 9(3) 6160-6171. (Q1)
4- Hesham Moustafa, Lawandy, S.N., Rabee, M., Zahran. “Bio-adhesive coating from ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM)/expanded organoclay to polyester fabric for multiapplications” ECCM 2018 - 18th European Conference on Composite Materials, 2020 (Conference paper)
2019
1- Hesham Moustafa, A. M. Youssef, N. A. Darwish, A. I. Abou-Kandil “Eco-friendly polymer composites for green packaging: Future vision and challenges” Composites Part B: Engineering, 2019; 172, 16–25. (Q1)
2- Poonsub Threepopnatkul, A. Sittatrakul, K. Anuraka, O. Mekmok, A. Khunkaew, C. Kulsetthanchalee, Hesham Moustafa. “Preparation and Properties of Polylactide Reinforced with Eggshell Modified with Different Fatty Acids”. Key Engineering Materials, 2019; 824, 16-22. (Q3)
2018
1- Hesham Moustafa, N. A. Darwish, M. A. Nour, A. M. Youssef "Biodegradable date stones filler for enhancing mechanical, dynamic, and flame-retardant properties of polyamide-6 biocomposites" Polymer Composites, 2018; 39(6) 1978-1987. (Q1)
2- S. N. Lawandy, Hesham Moustafa, M. A. H. Zahran, M. Rabee. “Effect of bio-alkyd resin oil content and viscosity on the adhesion of EPDM to polyester fabric.” Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, 2018, 32(3), 302-316. (Q1)
3- Hesham Moustafa, Nabila A. Darwish, Ahmed M. Youssef, Sameh Reda, Abdelaziz El-Wakil “High-performance of nanoparticles and their effects on the mechanical, thermal stability and UV-shielding properties of PMMA nanocomposites” Egyptian Journal of Chemistry 2018, 61(1) 23-32. (Q3)
2017
1- Hesham Moustafa, N. El-kissi, A. I. Abou Kandil, M. S. Abdel-Aziz, A. Dufresne “PLA/PBAT bionanocomposites with antimicrobial natural rosin for green packaging” ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2017; 9 (23): 20132-20141. (Q1)
2- Hesham Moustafa, Ahmed M. Youssef, Sophie Duquesne, Nabila A. Darwish “Characterization of bio-filler derived from seashell wastes and its effect on the mechanical, thermal, and flame-retardant properties of ABS composites” Polymer Composites, 2017, 38(12) 2788-2797. (Q1)
3- Ahmed M. Youssef, Hesham Moustafa, Ahmed Barhoum, Abou ElFetouh A. Abdel Hakim, Alain Dufresne “Evaluation of the Morphological, Electrical and Antibacterial Properties of Polyaniline Nanocomposite Based on Zn/Al-Layered Double Hydroxides” Chemistry Select, 2017, 2, 8553 – 8566. (Q2)
4- Hesham Moustafa, C. Guizani, C. Dupont, V. Martin, M. Jeguirim, A. Dufresne "Utilization of torrefied coffee grounds as reinforcing agent to produce high-quality biodegradable PBAT composites for food packaging applications" ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2017; 5 (2): 1906–1916. (Q1)
5- Hesham Moustafa, Hélène Galliard, Loïc Vidal, Alain Dufresne "Facile modification of organoclay and its effect on the compatibility and properties of novel biodegradable PBE/PBAT nanocomposites" European Polymer Journal, 2017; 87: 188–199. (Q1)
6- Hesham Moustafa, C. Guizani, A. Dufresne "Sustainable biodegradable coffee grounds filler and its effect on the hydrophobicity, mechanical and thermal properties of biodegradable PBAT composites" Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2017;134 (8): 44498. (Q2)
7- Hesham Moustafa, Duquesne S, Haidar B, Vallat M-F. “Influence of the degree of exfoliation of an organoclay on the flame-retardant properties of crosslinked EPDM-g-MA based composites”, Polymer Composites, 2017; 38(5):966-973. (Q1)
2016
1- Hesham Moustafa, A. M. Youssef, M. A. Nour “Investigation of morphology, mechanical, thermal and flame properties of EVA/EPDM blend by combination of organoclay with Na+ - tripolyphosphate” RSC Advances, 2016, 6, 36467–36474. (Q1)
2- Hesham Moustafa, Nabila A. Darwish, Sophie Duquesne, and Ahmed M. Youssef. “Highly flame-retardant green composites using seashells” Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) “Feature article” 2016, DOI: 10.2417/spepro.006334
2015
1- Hesham Moustafa, Darwish N A, “Effect of different types and loadings of modified nanoclay on mechanical properties and adhesion strength of EPDM-g-MA/Nylon 66 systems”, International Journal of Adhesion & Adhesives, 2015; 61: 15-22. (Q1)
2- Abd El-Aziz A. El-Wakil, Hesham Moustafa, F. M. Helaly," Utilization of nano-powder Barium Strontium Titanium Oxide ((BaTiO3)(SrTiO3)) for improving the properties of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber", Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences (RJPBCS), 2015:6 (6); 1150-62.
2014
1- Hesham Moustafa, Darwish N. A., Helaly F. M. “Study the Effect of Maleic Anhydride as Compatibilizing Agent on Filler-Rubber Interaction, Rheological and Mechanical Properties of NR/Nanoclay Platelet Nanocomposites” Journal of International Environmental Application & Science, 2014; 9(4): 534-542.
2009
1- Hesham Moustafa, Durent N, Owczarek M, Brender P, Munsch J, Ziegler P, Schwartz D, Vallat M-F, Haidar B. “Carbon Nanotubes as Filler for Elastomers”, KGK - Kautschuk Gummi Kunststoffe. 2009; 62(11): 574-579.
Oral lectures at international conferences
24-28 June, 2018
18th European Conference on Composite Materials (ECCM18), Athens, Greece
18-22 Oct., 2015
11th International Conference on Advanced Polymers via Macromolecular Engineering (APME 2015), Yokohama, Japan
26-30 April, 2015
Eurofillers Polymer Blends-2015, Montpellier, France
31 Aug.- 4 Nov., 2014
Modification, Degradation, Stabilization of Polymers Society (MoDeSt Conference 2014), Portorož, Slovenia
21-25 Aug., 2011
Eurofillers Polymer Blends-2011, Dresden, Germany
22 June, 2011
GFP Grand Est (Groupe Français des Polymères), Luxembourg
8-22 Oct., 2010
Matériaux 2010, Nantes, France
Professional training
Jun. 2025
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training, Score 100/100 at Dalhousie University, Canada Training course on the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 Training course on the requirements of ISO/IEC 17043 “General requirements for proficiency testing” Training course on the development of ISO 17034
13 Oct.- 8 Nov., 2013
Participation in the International Training Program "Quality Infrastructure Development in Support of World Trade", Stockholm, Sweden.
18-22 May, 2014
Follow up on the International Training Program by the SIDA Organization, to complete the accreditation project according to ISO 17025 in mechanical properties for polymeric materials, Amman, Jordan
2017
Training course on Risk Assessment Treatment
1-3 Sept. 2010
Summer school on polymeric materials and their characterizations by different techniques, “École des Mines”, Nancy, France
2010
Training on the nanomaterial’s risks, Delegation of CNRS, Strasbourg, France
Thesis supervision
• Master Sc. (3): two awarded and one pending.
• Ph.D. (2) (awarded)
Language skills
Arabic Mother tongue
English Near native speaker
French Good speaker
Referee for many International Journals
Food Chemistry, ACS Omega, Trends in Food Science and Technology, Carbohydrate Polymers, Journal of Cleaner Production, Iranian Polymer Journal, Polymer Composites, ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, Express Polymer Letters, Polymer Testing, Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, Journal of Elastomers and Plastics, Emergent Materials, Rice Science, International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, Egyptian Journal of Chemistry,….etc` And other journals, more than 60 reviewed papers, according to the Web of Science site
Technical skills & Instrumentation
• PT schemes (ISO/IEC 17043) and accreditation processing to fulfil the legal requirements according to ISO/IEC 17025
• Uncertainty calculations
• X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Spectroscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Spectroscopy (SEM), RT-PCR technique, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-Double Quantum) NMR1H DQ), Furrier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) imaging microscope, Universal Tensile Machine (tensile, tear, and peel tests) and other polymer testes, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Cone Calorimetry (Fire measurements),..etc.