Wollo University | Ethiopia
Author Profile
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Orcid
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Addisu Workiye Eshetu laid the groundwork for his scientific journey with a Bachelor of Education in Manufacturing Technology from Adama Science and Technology University. His undergraduate project focused on the design and manufacturing of a maize sheller machine. Driven by curiosity and innovation, he progressed to earn an MSc in Manufacturing Engineering, where he developed a composite material using clay and steel wire for milling machine base applications. His academic journey culminated with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Design Engineering) from Addis Ababa University, where his dissertation explored the development and characterization of Kaolinite Clay/Maize Stalk Fiber Composite—a major milestone that blended sustainability with advanced material science.
👨🏫 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Addisu has been deeply engaged in academia, delivering both undergraduate and postgraduate courses at leading Ethiopian universities. He teaches specialized topics such as Finite Element Methods, Rotor Dynamics, Scientific Research Methodology, and Material Strength. His mentorship extends to thesis co-advising, including projects on carbon fiber composite springs for lightweight vehicles and multi-crop seeding machines. As a departmental coordinator and examiner, he contributes to maintaining and auditing the quality of mechanical engineering programs, helping shape the next generation of engineers and researchers.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
With a research portfolio grounded in mechanical design, manufacturing, and geopolymer composites, Dr. Addisu focuses on developing eco-friendly composite materials using agricultural and natural resources like maize stalks and kaolinite clay. His studies explore key engineering properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, porosity, and heat insulation, positioning his work at the intersection of sustainability and industrial application. His publications span prestigious journals, and his most recent works include:
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Porous maize stalk-reinforced geopolymer composites for heat insulation
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Flexural strength of cellulose fiber composites treated with NaOH
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Development of natural fiber-reinforced geopolymers for structural use
🏆 Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Addisu's contributions to science and education have earned him certificates of excellence in reviewing, along with invitations to serve as a reviewer for several international journals and conferences. He has authored a well-regarded book titled Kaolinite Clay Composite Materials for Industrial Application, and contributed to book chapters for BP International. In 2024 and 2025, he presented and chaired sessions at multiple high-level conferences, including the International Conference on Biopolymer and Smart Materials and NCMD-2025.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Beyond publications and lectures, Dr. Addisu is actively shaping scientific discourse. He has reviewed several cutting-edge articles on geopolymer foams, fiber-reinforced concrete, solar PV optimization, and metal-air battery technologies. His conference presence and leadership roles help bridge academic knowledge with industrial application. As a member of the International Science Reserve, powered by the New York Academy of Sciences, he collaborates globally to address climate change through sustainable engineering.
🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Addisu Workiye represents a new wave of African engineering scholars whose work is rooted in local innovation and global relevance. Through eco-conscious composite development, academic mentorship, and international collaboration, he is fostering sustainable materials science in Ethiopia and beyond. His future goals are likely to involve scaling up his research into industrial applications, expanding academic networks, and promoting renewable engineering solutions for a more sustainable future.
Publications
📄 Characterization of Maize Stalk Cellulose Fibers Surface Morphology and Cross-Section
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Authors: Addisu Workiye, Eyassu Woldesenbet, Lulseged Belay Addis
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Journal: Journal of Materials Research and Technology
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Year: 2025
📄 Flexural Strength and Porosity of Maize Stalk Cellulose Fibers Reinforced Geopolymer Composites Treated by NaOH
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Authors: Addisu Workiye, Eyassu Woldesenbet
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Journal: Proceedings of Engineering and Technology Innovation
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Year: 2023
📄 Porous Maize Stalk Cellulose Fiber–Reinforced Geopolymer Composites for Heat Insulation on the Bottom Side of Local Electric Stove
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Authors: Addisu Workiye, Eyassu Woldesenbet
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Journal: Proceedings of Engineering and Technology Innovation
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Year: 2022
📄 Development of Maize Stalk Cellulose Fiber Reinforced Calcined Kaolinite Clay Geopolymer Composite
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Authors: Addisu Workiye, Eyassu Woldesenbet
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Journal: Proceedings of Engineering and Technology Innovation
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Year: 2020
📄 Tensile Strength of Maize Stalk and Husk Single Cellulose Fibre
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Authors: Addisu Workiye, Eyassu Woldesenbet
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Journal: International Journal of Engineering and Technology
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Year: 2019