Date palm seed as suitable filler material in glass–epoxy composites

Abstract

Natural materials as polymer fillers are proposed for applications in different industries due to their good prices, acceptable mechanical behaviors, and their improved environmental footprint. The aim of this work is to study the mechanical characteristics of glass fiber (G–E) filled with date seed (DS) as potential polymer filler. DS is produced during the processing of fruit plant (Phoenix dactylifera L.). G–E hybrid composite is reinforced with angle-ply [(± 45)4]S using DS powder by applying the semi-automatic technique (SAT). The effects of DS filler on wear rate (Ks) and impact energy at different efficient parameters were investigated. Technical and economical comparisons between the DS filler and inorganic fillers [e.g., silicon carbide (SiC), aluminum oxide (AL2O3)] were carried out. Surface inspection was conducted using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the nature of reinforcement was investigated using Fourier-transform infra red (FTIR). The results revealed that the addition of 10% DS reinforcement to G–E improved the wear resistance rate and increased toughness by about 71% and 80%, respectively. FTIR results indicated that a physicochemical interaction has occurred between G–E and the organic DS filler contact surfaces. Finally, G–E reinforcement optimization was carried out by minimizing the wear rate, determining the optimum filler load and type, normal load, and abrasive size. The obtained results showed the effectiveness of the DS as filler for G–E fibers from technical and economical point of views.