Dr Thandi Gumede
NRF Rating: Y2
Senior Lecturer: Department of Life Sciences
Qualifications: PhD (Polymer Science, UFS) | MSc (Polymer Science, UFS) | BSc Hons (Polymer Science, UFS) | PGDip (Higher Education, CUT, Cum Laude)
Professional Background
Dr Thandi Patricia Gumede is an NRF Y2-rated researcher and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Life Sciences at the Central University of Technology, Free State. Her research focuses on the development of sustainable polymer nanocomposites using biodegradable matrices reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) extracted from diverse natural feedstocks, including medicinal plants, agricultural residues, and marine bio-waste.
This innovative work contributes directly to South Africa’s circular economy by transforming locally available biomass into sustainable materials for biomedical, packaging, and environmental applications. Dr Gumede utilises a comprehensive suite of advanced analytical techniques—including FTIR, SAXS, WAXS, XRD, SEM-EDS, DSC, TGA, and DMA—to rigorously assess the structural, morphological, thermal, and thermo-mechanical properties of these green composites.
Professional Leadership & Service
- Research Funding: Successfully secured competitive funding through the NRF Thuthuka and Black Academics Advancement Programmes (BAAP).
- Academic Capacity Development: Active postgraduate supervisor and appointed external examiner for Master’s and PhD theses at various South African universities.
- Scholarly Service: Trusted peer reviewer for leading scientific journals and NRF rating evaluation panels.
Areas of Expertise
- • Polymer Blends & Composites
- • Biodegradable & Sustainable Materials
- • Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNCs)
- • Advanced Materials Characterisation
- • Circular Economy & Bio-waste Valorisation
Selected Publications
Top Journal Articles
- • Kumalo, F.I., Malimabe, M.A., Mosoabisane, M.F.T. & Gumede, T.P. Development and Characterization of PBS/EA Cellulose and PCL/EA Cellulose Biocomposites: Structural, Morphological, and Thermal Insights for Sustainable Applications. Polymers, 17(7), 971.
- • Selikane, D.G.A., Gumede, T.P., Shingange, K., Malevu, T.D., Ngwenya, M. & Kumalo, F. Characterization of Polycaprolactone/Eucomis autumnalis Cellulose Composite: Structural, Thermal, and Mechanical Analysis. Journal of Biomimetics, Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, 65, 45-58.
- • Sikhosana, T., Gumede, T., Malebo, N., Ogundeji, A. & Motloung, B. The influence of cellulose content on the morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)/Eucomis autumnalis cellulose biocomposites. Polymer Engineering & Science, 63(5), 1411-1422.
- • Sikhosana, T., Gumede, T., Malebo, N., Ogundeji, A. & Motloung, B. Medicinal plants as a cellulose source for the fabrication of poly(lactic acid) composites: A mini-review. Polymers from Renewable Resources, 14(1), 44-57.
- • Sikhosana, T., Gumede, T., Malebo, N. & Ogundeji, A. Poly(lactic acid) and its composites as functional materials for 3-D scaffolds in biomedical applications: A mini-review of recent trends. eXPRESS Polymer Letters, 15(6), 568-580.
Selected Book Chapters
- • Sefadi, J., Mochane, M., Gumede, T., Malebo, N. & Mokhena, T. Graphene-Metal Oxide Nanoparticles on Piezoelectric and Pyroelectric Effect of Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF). Springer, 1-24.
- • Mochane, M.J., Mokhena, T.C., Noto, L.L., Motaung, T.E., Gumede, T.P. & Motloung, M.T. FROM GARBAGE TO HIGH TEMPERATURE APPLICATIONS: FLY ASH AND EGGSHELLS. In “WASTE-TO-PROFIT” (W-T-P), p. 61.
Top Conference Presentations
- • Ngwenya, M., Gumede, T.P., Perez Camargo, R.A. & Motloung, B. (2024). Sustainable development of eco-friendly bio-nanocomposites: Utilizing nanocellulose extracted from Saccharum Officinarum for Advanced Application. International Conference on Biomedical Polymers & Polymeric Biomaterials (ICBPPB-24), Durban, South Africa. (Oral)
- • Selikane, D. & Gumede, T. (2023). Investigating the physical properties of polycaprolactone/Eucomis autumnalis nanocellulose composite. International Conference on Green Chemistry and Sustainable Engineering, Cape Town, South Africa. (Oral)
- • Sikhosana, S.T., Gumede, T.P., Malebo, N.J., Ogundeji, A.O. & Motloung, B. (2022). Preparation and Characterisation of Poly(lactic acid)/Cellulose (Extracted From Eucomis Autumnalis) Composites For Various Applications. World Symposium on Smart Materials Sciences & Engineering (SMSE), Munich, Germany. (Poster)
- • Selikane, D.G., Gumede, T.P., Shingange, K. & Malevu, T.D. (2021). A brief overview on the extraction of cellulose from medicinal plants for advanced applications. 5th International Conference on Composite Material, Polymer Science and Engineering, Bangkok, Thailand. (Poster)
- • Gumede, T.P., Luyt, A.S., Hassan, M.K., Pérez-Camargo, R.A., Tercjak, A. & Müller, A.J. (2018). Morphology, nucleation, and isothermal crystallization kinetics of poly(ε-caprolactone) mixed with a polycarbonate/MWCNTs masterbatch. 43rd National Convention of the South African Chemical Institute, Pretoria, South Africa. (Poster)
