Date-Palm Fiber as a Reinforcement Filler in Polymer Composites

Abstract

Natural fibers offer a great advantage of being used as a reinforcement in polymer matrix composites because of the many advantages natural fibers offer over conventional reinforcement fillers. Date palm fiber is one of the most available natural fibrous materials in the Middle Eastern region to be exploited as a fiber reinforcement in polymers. In the present work, the fibers extracted from the date palm tree trunk, branches, and leaves were used for the reinforcement of the polypropylene matrix. Electron microscopic images show excellent bonding between the fiber and matrix as no fiber pullout is observed. The thermal (heat deflection temperature) and mechanical properties (Izod impact, tensile and flexural modulus) of the composites increased with an increase in the fiber loading from 20% to 60%, which in turn resulted in excellent mechanical properties in the final product. The work has immense significance in using date palm as an easily available natural resource for a useful product.

A Review on Properties, Applications and Feasibility Study of Date Palm Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites

“…Many researchers preferred to decrease using man-made fibers because they are hazardous to the environment. Natural fibers which include plant fibers and animal fibers have been widely used recently to reinforce polymer composites because they are not expensive materials, lightweight and eco-friendly materials [20][21][22][23]. These fibers and particulates, greatly numbers of them are inorganics, are utilized to reinforce polymer matrices to improve the composite properties mechanical, chemical, physical and economic properties [24].…”

Effect of Fillers on Mechanical, Thermal Properties and Combustion Resistance of Polyurethane Foam

“…Fillers materials used with polymers are divided into natural (organic and inorganic) and synthetic fillers. These fillers, the majority of which are inorganic and either fibers or particles, are combined with polymers to both increase their hardness and lower their price [4][5][6][7].…”

Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polyurethane-Palm Fronds Ash Composites

“…Fillers, which play important roles in reducing flammability and may increase hardness (enhancing reinforcement properties), can be classified into natural and synthetic fillers. Natural fibers such as pineapple, leaf, kenaf, sisal, coir, flax, jute, hemp, and abaca have been used by researchers as reinforcement additives with polymers due to their advantages such as low density and cost, less abrasiveness, renewability, and biodegradability [4][5][6][7]. In literature [8,9], ash from palm fronds can significantly enhance the mechanical properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE).…”