Prof. M Jonas Mochane
NRF Rating: Y
Associate Professor
Qualifications: PhD (Polymer Science)
Professional Background
Prof. Mokgaotsa Jonas Mochane is an NRF Y-rated Associate Professor specializing in advanced polymer chemistry and materials science. His research primarily focuses on the incorporation of various reinforcing fillers into polymer matrices to significantly enhance their physical and chemical properties for advanced industrial and commercial applications.
His technical expertise includes the integration of nanofillers such as boron nitride and carbon nanotubes into polymer/paraffin wax blends. This targeted approach is designed to optimize critical material properties, including thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and thermal stability. Furthermore, Prof. Mochane leads innovative natural fibre hybrid biopolymer projects aimed at developing sustainable, multifunctional materials for next-generation applications.
Professional Recognition & Leadership
- National Recognition: Selected for the prestigious Future Professors Programme (FPP), a flagship DHET initiative designed to shape the next generation of academic leaders in South Africa.
- Research Impact: Consistently publishes high-impact review and empirical articles in leading international polymer and materials science journals.
- Academic Mentorship: Actively supervises postgraduate students and fosters collaborative research networks across South African institutions.
Areas of Expertise
- • Green Polymer Composites
- • Natural Fibres & Biopolymers
- • Polymer Composites & Blends
- • Natural Fibre/Polymer Composites
- • Nanofiller-Reinforced Matrices
Selected Publications
Top Journal Articles
- • Mochane, M.J., Motloung, M.T., Mokhena, T.C. & Mofokeng, T.G. 2022. Morphology and photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide reinforced polymer composites: A mini review. Catalysts, 12(11), 1439.
https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12111439 → - • Mokoena, T.E., Mochane, M.J., Mokhena, T.C. & Motloung, M.T. 2022. The effect of boron nitride, carbon nanotubes, and their synergy on the properties of LLDPE and LLDPE/wax blend. Polymer Engineering and Science, early view, 1-14.
https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.26094 → - • Jafta, N., Mochane, M.J., Mokhena, T.C. & Lebelo, K. 2022. Effect of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)/carbon nanotubes on the properties of cellulose membrane isolated from maize stalk. Cellulose Chemistry and Technology, 56(5-6), 549-558.
https://doi.org/10.35812/CelluloseChemTechnol.2022.56.47 → - • Mokhena, T.C., Sadiku, E.R., Ray, S.S., Mochane, M.J., Matabola, P. & Motloung, P. 2022. Flame Retardancy Efficacy of Phytic Acid: an overview. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, e52495.
https://doi.org/10.1002/app.52495 → - • Kaleni, A., Magagula, S., Motloung, M.T., Mochane, M.J. & Mokhena, T.C. 2022. Preparation and characterization of coal fly ash reinforced polymer composites: an overview. eXpress Polymer Letters, 16, 735-759.
https://doi.org/10.3144/expresspolymlett.2022.54 →
