Dr Motshabi A. Sibeko

Position: Lecturer

Department of Chemistry

Office No: 11A (New Physics and Geography Building)

Natural and Agricultural Sciences (Qwa-Qwa Campus)

Phuthaditjhaba, 9866

Tel.+27(0)58-718 5197

Fax.+27(0)58-718 5444

Email: Sibekoma@ufs.ac.za

ORCiD: 0000-0003-2409-8607

Dr Motshabi A. Sibeko holds a PhD degree in Polymer Science from the University of Free State (Qwa-Qwa Campus), which she obtained in 2016 under the supervision of Prof A.S Luyt and Co-supervision of Dr M.A. Saladino (University of Parlemo, Italy). Her PhD research focused on the Comparison of the influence of silica on the properties of polycarbonate (PC) and poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA).

Dr Sibeko is a passionate lecturer and researcher with research expertise in Polymer nano/composites, Polymer blends and Bio-adsorbents for heavy metal removal just to name a few. She has tough Analytical and Organic Chemistry at undergraduate level and Polymer Science modules at postgraduate level.  She is a member of the South African Chemical Institute (SACI) registered as a professional Chemist in South Africa (PrChemSA) and a member of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3). She has authored numerous research articles, co-authored book chapters (short list provided below) and presented some of her research work in national and international conferences. In June 2016, she joined the Centre for Rubber Science & Technology (CRST), Chemistry Department at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) as a postdoctoral fellow. During her time at the center, her responsibilities as a researcher included bringing new and stimulating ideas to the research group, conduct research and produce research outputs. She also lectured and supervised undergraduate and postgraduate students, provided guidance, support and mentorship throughout their studies. She rejoined the University of the Free State (Qwa-Qwa campus) as lecturer and researcher in September 2021.

List of Publications

Anathi Dambuza, Pennie P. Mokolokolo, Momoko E. Makhatha, Motshabi A. Sibeko. Pharmacological and Biological Efficacy of Chitosan-Based Materials. International Journal of Molecular Science2025,26,10735. DOI:10.3390/ijms262110735

Anathi Dambuza, Pennie P. Mokolokolo, Mamookho E. Makhatha and Motshabi A. Sibeko. Chitosan-Based Materials as Effective Materials to Remove Pollutants.Polymers. 2025; 17:2447. DOI:10.3390/polym17182447

M.A. Sibeko, A.A. Olagoke, P.S. Hlangothi. Trends in the management of waste tyres and recent experimental approaches in the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from rubber crumbs. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2020; 27:43553-43568

M.A. Sibeko, M.L. Saladino, F. Armetta, A. Spinnella, A.S. Luyt. Effect of preparation method on the properties of poly (methyl methacrylate)/mesoporous silica composites. Emerging Materials.2019; 2: 363-370. DOI: 10.1007/s42247-019-00057-1

M.M. Phiri, M.A. Sibeko, M.J. Phiri, P.S. Hlangothi. Effect of free foaming and pre-curing on the thermal, morphological and physical properties of reclaimed tyre rubber foam composites. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2019; 218: 665-672. DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.02.051

M.A. Sibeko, A.S. Luyt, M.L. Saladino. Morphology, interfacial interaction and thermal degradation of polycarbonate/MCM-41 (nano). International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization. 2017; 22:424-434. DOI: 10.1080/10236666X.2017.13.13808

M.A. Sibeko, A.S. Luyt, M.L. Saladino. Thermomechanical properties and thermal degradation kinetics poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) filled with cerium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Ce: YAG) prepared by melt compounding. Polymer Bulletin 2017; 74: 2841-2859. DOI: 10.1007/s00289-016-186-1870-5

M.A. Sibeko, M.L. Saladino, A.S. Luyt, E. Caponetti. Morphology, mechanical and thermal properties of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) filled mesoporous silica (MCM-41) prepared by melt compounding. Journal of Materials Science 2016; 51:3957-3970. DOI: 1007/510853-015-9714-5

M.A. Saladino, F. Armetta, M.A. Sibeko, A.S. Luyt, D.F.C. Martino, E. Caponetti. Preparation and characterization of Ce: YAG polycarbonate composites for white LED. Journal of Alloys and Composites 2016; 664:726-731. DOI: 101016/j.jallcom.2016.01.009

F. Armetta, M.A. Sibeko, A.S. Luyt. D.F.C. Martino, A. Spoinella, M.A. Saladino. Influence of the Ce: YAG amount on structure and optical properties of Ce:YAG-PMMA composites for white LED. Zeitschrift fur Physikalische Chemie 2016; 230:1219-1231. DOI: 10.1515/zpch-2015-0703

M.A. Sibeko, A.S. Luyt. Preparation and characterization of vinyl silane crosslinked low-density polyethylene composites filled with nanoclays. Polymer Bulleting 2014; 71:637-657. DOI: 10.1007/s00289-013-1083-0

M.A. Sibeko, A.S. Luyt. Preparation and characterization of vinyl silane crosslinked high-density polyethylene composites filled with nanoclays. Polymer Composites 2013; 34:1720-1727. DOI:10.1002/pc.22575

List of Book Chapters

Motshabi Alinah Sibeko, Tladi Gideon Mofokeng, Mpho Phillip Motloung, Shanganyane Percy Hlangothi. Scattering Studies of Cellulose Nanoparticle Based Advanced Materials. Book title: Cellulose Nanoparticles: Chemistry and Fundamentals.  Royal Society of Chemistry. Chapter 12 (2020).

M.A. Sibeko, V.C. Agbakoba, J. Nkomo, P.S. Hlangothi. The Chemistry and Pharmacology of Antibiotics Used in the Treatment of Multidrug Tuberculosis. Book title: Antibiotic Materials in Healthcare. Chapter 14 (2020)

T.C. Mokhena, M.J. Maya, M.A. Sibeko, V. Agbakoba, M.J. Mochane, A. Mtibe, T.S. Motsoeneng, M.M. Phiri, M.J. Phiri, P.S. Hlangothi. Nanomaterials; Types, Synthesis and Characteristics. Book title: Nanomaterials in Biofuels, Springers Nature. 2019

M.A. Sibeko, V.C. Agbakoba, T.C. Mokhena, P.S. Hlangothi. Biodegradable polymers reinforced with lignin and lignocellulosic materials. Book title: Soil Microenvironment for Bioremediation and Polymer Production. Scrivener Publishing LLC. Chapter 20 (2019).

M.M. Phiri, M.A. Sibeko, S.P. Hlangothi, M.J. Maya. Waste rubber-based composites foams. Book title: Rubber Recycling: Challenges and Developments. Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry. Chapter 4 (2018). DOI: 10.1039/9781788013482

• Polymer chemistry
• Polymer characterization
• Waste tyre rubber crumbs recycling
• Biodegradable polymer blends and composites
• Natural waste reinforced polymers
• Bio-adsorbents for heavy metal removal and wastewater treatment

• Organic chemistry
• Analytical chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Polymer testing and characterization
• Polymer blends, composites and nanocomposites