Date Palm Fibers Research Articles

Effect of date palm and polypropylene fibers on the characteristics of self-compacting concretes: comparative study

This article presents the results of a comparative experimental study on the influence of date palm fibers to replace polypropylene fibers used as reinforcement in self-compacting concrete (SCC). Indeed, the use of polypropylene fibers makes it possible to reduce the plastic shrinkage of concrete. Date palm fibers have mechanical characteristics (tensile strength and elasticity modulus) largely sufficient to replace polypropylene fibers. The use of natural fibers has several advantages, they are natural, renewable, have no affect the environment and require little energy for their transformation, unlike synthetic fibers. In this comparative study, polypropylene fiber is used as control material and date palm fiber as study material. The results obtained show that the two types of fibers decrease the fluidity and the compressive strength but increase the flexural strength and decrease the shrinkage. Date palm fibers delay the appearance of cracks more than polypropylene fibers. Date palm fibers guarantee the best results of SCCs in fresh and hardened state

Investigation of the sound-absorbing performances of pure coffee grounds

Various natural sound-absorbing materials such as rice by-products, coir fiber, date palm fiber, peanut husks, hardwood cross-sections, and forest by-products have been introduced to replace petroleum-based sound-absorbing materials in previous studies, and their sound-absorbing performance was significant. This study investigated the sound-absorbing performance of pure coffee grounds as an eco-friendly sound-absorbing material. After inserting coffee grounds into cylindrical holders with lengths of 20, 30, and 40 mm, the density of the coffee grounds was adjusted from 0.2 to 0.5 g/cm3. Then, the sound absorption coefficients were measured by an impedance tube. As the thickness and density increased, the sound absorption coefficient at low frequencies improved. However, the sound absorption coefficient at high frequencies decreased. The optimal noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of coffee grounds investigated in this study was 0.61 at a density of 0.3 g/cm3 and thickness of 50 mm. This result shows a sound-absorbing performance that is comparable to other natural sound-absorbing materials. This study concludes that coffee grounds have high use-value as an eco-friendly sound-absorbing material.

Engineering Performance of Cement Mortar Cubes Containing Percentage of Date Palm Fibers and Leaf Ash

The problem of conventional cement mortar cubes is the requirement of cement to be used for their production. It is recognized that cement production involves a significant release of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, which is detrimental to the quality of the environment. To adopt a sustainable development of building materials, date palm tree has been used by numerous researchers to partially replace the cement in the production of mortar cubes. The study aims: 1. To optimize the engineering properties of cement mortar cubes enhanced with date palm fibers and leaves ash. 2. To investigate the microstructures and chemical characteristics of the optimized cement mortar enhanced with waste date palm fibers and leaves ash. The design optimization in this study, mortar cubes were formulated in such a way that the trial mix designs were varied with date palm leaves ash (1% to 10% date palm leaves ash as partial substitute of cement) and date palm, fibers (1% to 5% as partial substitute of silica sand). The mechanism of reaction at early- and long characterization tests studied term period of curing on paste, including water absorption test, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) test, compression test, SEM test, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) test, X-ray and Fluorescence tests (XRF). As the study's major finding, it was realized that the optimal mix ratio of the treated mortar cubes was noticed to have 4% date palm leaves ash as partial cement substitute and 2% date palm fibers as partial silica sand substitute. There was significant improvement in the treated mortar cubes' engineering properties compared to those of the control mortar cubes. The study outcomes proved that both date palm leaves ash and fibers can cause pozzolanic activity and reinforcing effect on the treated mortar cubes.

Copper metal elimination from polluted soil by electro-kinetic technique.

The electro kinetic method is one of the common methods in the process of pollutants removal. In this paper, the process of removing copper from contaminated soil has been studied. Some improved conditions were used in this process; the pH of the solution was changed for each experiment during the first three experiments. SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) has been used as an activator to improve the removal process by washing the soil with it. Date palm fibers (DPF) were also used as an adsorbent material to counteract the reverse flow that occurred during the removal process, thus increasing the removal value. Various experiments were performed, where it was observed that by decreasing the pH, the removal capacity was increased. The removal capacity in the three different experiments were 70% at pH 4, 57% at pH 7, and 45% at pH 10. The use of SDS as a solution in the process increased the dissolution and absorption of copper from the soil surface and then increased the removal capacity (74%). The use of DPF to counter the osmosis flow has been successful in adsorbing the pollutants (copper) returning from this flow, and thus this material can be considered good from an economic and environmental aspect when compared to other commercial adsorbents.

Optimization of the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Lightweight Concrete Reinforced with Date Palm and Sisal Fibers

This work investigates the influence of date palm and sisal fibers on the mechanical and physical behavior of lightweight concrete based on expanded clay aggregates. The choice of these fibers types is aimed at the recovery of agricultural waste in Tunisia. Their exploitation serves to improve the mechanical and physical properties of a new material dedicated to filling and insulation in buildings. In this context, series of tests were carried out using untreated short fibers in lightweight concrete. The evaluation of the mechanical and physical behavior of the material was obtained by determining the compressive strength, bending strength and thermal conductivity. The results obtained showed the influence of the fibers volume fraction. For mechanical behavior, the optimum of fibers volume fraction was estimated at 1% for lightweight concrete with date palm and sisal fibers. The thermal conductivity is inversely proportional to the fibers volume fraction, which justifies the use of this composite as a filling and insulation material.

Fate of biofilm activity in cascade aerating trickling filter for wastewater treatment: Comparison of two types of indigenous support media

Cascade aerating trickling filters (CATF) with two indigenous and novel support media [date palm fiber, (DPF) and maize cob (MC)] were operated to treat domestic wastewater. The biomass, nitrification rate (NR), oxygen uptake rate (OUR) and cultural characteristics of biofilms were measured to investigate microorganism activity and biodiversity. However, the attached biomass on MC (4760 gVSS/m3) was obviously found more than the DPF (1460 gVSS/m3). Huge biomass may decrease the activity of biofilm in CATF. It was also observed that the nitrifying bacteria grow easily on MC surface due to its lower NR (4.2 mg N gVSS/m3) than DPF (5.3 mg N gVSS/m3). Similarly, the OUR of MC media was found higher than DPF media that indicated the improved metabolic activities and microbial growth in the biofilm. At filtration velocities of 4, 8, and 12 m/hr, the biofilm biomass increased with increasing filtration velocity, reaching 2105, 4817, and 6247 mgVSS/m2 respectively. At a filtration velocity of 12 m/hr, the highest biofilm density was 39 mg/cm3. Biomass and thickness of Biofilm were lowest at the filtration velocity of 8 m/hr due to the low influent loading rate. Both the CATFs showed good capability of COD removal, nitrification and denitrification.

The effects of surface modified date‐palm fiber fillers upon the thermo‐physical performances of high density polyethylene‐polyvinyl chloride blend with maleic anhydride as a grafting agent

AbstractTo demonstrate the upcycling of thermoplastic waste with good thermo‐physical properties, high density polyethylene (HDPE; 80 phr) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC; 20 phr) are mixed as the matrix using maleic anhydride (MAH) reinforced with unmodified and modified date palm fibers (DPFs; 30 phr). The effects of in situ grafting of MAH onto the DPFs‐HDPE‐PVC composites upon the resultant thermo‐physical characteristics are investigated and analyzed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Thus, the effective compatibilizing of both the HDPE‐PVC component and the grafted HDPE‐PVC blend with the modified DPFs are confirmed. In addition, the results of dynamical mechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry indicate that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the composite is enhanced by the incorporation of modified DPFs. The thermal, mechanical, and water uptake properties of the composites are also improved. Rheological analysis at low frequency reveals that the introduction of hydrolyzed DPFs results in a higher complex viscosity (1.94 × 106 Pa s) and storage modulus (119,844 MPa) for the obtained composite (designated G‐Hydro). Overall, the G‐Hydro composite exhibits the best performance, making it ideal for a variety of construction and building purposes.

Mechanical, thermal, and acoustic properties of natural fibre-reinforced polyester

Natural fibres have been used in a wide range of polymer composite reinforcements to produce new composites with good properties that can be used in many applications. In this study, the fracture toughness, acoustic, and thermal properties of date palm fibre (DPF)/polyester composite and DPF/sheep wool hybrid reinforced polyester were investigated. Physical properties, such as water absorption and thickness swelling, have also been reported. Finally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the composites and hybrids were obtained. The composites and hybrids were produced by compression moulding and cut into standard shapes before being tested. DPF and DPF/sheep wool contents (wt%) were 0%, 10%, 20% and 30%. The test results indicate that the fracture toughness improved from 3.45 MPa·m1/2 (with 0% additive content) to 11.55 MPa·m1/2 (with 20% DPF content) and 13.95 MPa·m1/2 (with 20% hybrid content). The energy release rate increased from 3.99 kJ/M2 (with 0% additive content) to 39.82 kJ/M2 (with 20% DPF content) and 53 kJ/M2 (with 20% hybrid content) due to the good adhesion between the matrix and fibres. DPF improved the acoustic insulation properties of the polyester/DPF composite with mass fractions of 10%, 20%, and 30%. At a frequency of 2000 Hz, the acoustic attenuation in decibels (dB) increased from 16.2 dB with pure polyester to 17.2, 18.2, and 19.5 dB with 10%, 20%, and 30% DPF content, respectively. The increase in sheep wool and DPF hybrids in the polyester matrix increased the acoustic attenuation to 18.4, 20.6, and 24 dB, respectively, because DPF and sheep wool have good acoustic insulation properties. Thermal conductivity was 0.161 W/m·C with 0% additive content, decreasing to 0.133, 0.107, and 0.082 W/m·C with 10%, 20%, and 30% DPF content, respectively, and 0.112, 0.073, and 0.051 W/m·C for 10%, 20%, and 30% DPF/sheep wool hybrid content, respectively, owing to good thermal insulation properties of DPF and sheep wool. Water absorption gradually increased with DPF and DPF/sheep wool hybrid because DPF and sheep wool have good absorption properties. Thickness swelling increased with increasing DPF and DPF/sheep wool hybrid contents but not to the same extent. SEM images indicated good distribution and bonding of DPF with the polyester matrix up to 20% and good results for DPF/sheep wool with the polyester hybrid at 10% and 20% hybrid content.

Benchmarking automotive nonwoven composites from date palm midrib and spadix fibers in comparison to commercial leaf fibers

In an attempt to increase the biodiversity of natural fibers, new sources of natural fibers should be discovered. Long textile-grade date palm (DP) fibers were used in the manufacturing of 50:50 polypropylene nonwoven composite. DP fibers are considered newcomers to the natural fiber library. The main aim of this work was to benchmark different types of DP fiber composites in comparison to other commercial leaf fiber composites, namely, sisal, abaca, and banana, in addition to FlexForm automotive composites. The composites were mechanically and physically characterized in order to determine their properties. The results showed that the void content in DP composites was lower than that in sisal and abaca by 33% and 40% respectively. DP composites have tensile strength within the same range as sisal composites and higher than that of banana by nearly 33%. The modulus of elasticity and failure strain of DP composites were nearly 3 GPa and up to 3% respectively. The flexural strength of DP composites (35 MPa) was in the same range as that of sisal and abaca. The normalized impact energy of DP composites was higher than that of banana by 50%. The dynamic mechanical analysis of the six composites showed similar behavior with a glass transition temperature around 10 °C. Finally, the water absorption behavior of DP composites was better than the other composites (lower than sisal by 63%). The results showed that DP fibers are good candidates for applications in automotive interior composites, given their competitive performance and high potential availability.

Interfacial Adhesion between Textile Fibers and Clay Mortar

Short fiber–reinforced clay mortar is known as an important structural material in traditional and rural buildings because it not only provides superior mechanical properties but can also be easily produced by the rapid, low-cost molding process. The adhesion of the fibers to clay mortar has a significant role in the mechanical characteristics of fiber-reinforced mortar. In this study, interfacial shear stress (ISS) between nine different fibers and clay mortar was investigated by performing the Microbond test. Based on the findings, date palm fiber, hollow polyester, and polypropylene, respectively, demonstrated the highest degree of ISS with clay mortar; nevertheless, the lowest degree belonged to goat hair, acrylic, and wool, respectively. The critical lengths of the fibers to be embedded in the mortar as the short fiber reinforcements were calculated. The highest critical length belonged to glass fibers and date palm, respectively, and the lowest values belonged to acrylic, polyester, polypropylene, and wool, respectively.

Effect of thermal cycles on the engineering properties and durability of sustainable fibrous high-strength concrete

In this research, the effect of heat–cool cycles (HCCs) on high-strength concrete (HSC) containing steel fibres (SFs), polypropylene fibres (PPFs), and date palm fibres (DPFs), which were named fibrous high-strength concrete (FHSC), was studied. To produce FHSC, three doses of 0.2, 0.6, and 1 percent of each fibre were used. All samples were tested after 28 days of normal water curing and 270 days of exposure to HCCs (continuing the authors’ project and research published at 28 and 180 days). This entails heating for 2 days at 60 C in the oven and cooling for another 2 days at room temperature for 270 days. The experiment’s findings revealed that fibre reinforcement in concrete enhances its strength and durability. By incorporating the three types of fibres into high-strength concrete, with and without HCCs, the modulus of rupture was significantly increased. In both conditions, including with or without the implementation of HCCs, incorporating the three fibre types into the HSC showed a significant increase in toughness. As a result, natural date palm fibres can produce sustainable FHSC that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. Moreover, compared to the previous study conducted by the authors at 180 days, there is a slight severity in both the pattern of decrease and increase of the studied characteristics at 270 days caused by the effect of thermal cycles and fibres.

Ecofriendly Dyeing of Textile Materials with Natural Colorants from Date Palm Fiber Fibrillium

Natural dyes have become an interesting subject of study because of their superior ecological properties in comparison to their synthetic counterparts. This explains the great amount of research developed in this regard, especially when the dye used was derived from a natural product’s waste. This research aims to evaluate the affinity of the dye extracted from date palm fibrillium to a multifiber fabric. This choice was made to investigate a comparison of the dyeability of many kinds of textile fibers with the obtained colorant from the date palm fibrillium. It was shown that the different types of fibers were well-dyed. The darkest dyes were obtained especially by using wool and nylon fabrics. In view of these results, wool and nylon fibers were selected for developing a dyeing investigation. The effect of the most important operational conditions such as temperature, pH, and dyeing time on the dyeing quality results has been investigated. Color yield (K/S) and CIELab values (L*, a*, b*, C*, h*) were used to evaluate the dyeing properties. The utilization of durable chemicals and bio-mordants both pre and post-dyeing resulted not only in new dyes but also in improved speed rates.

Influence of Heat–Cool Cyclic Exposure on the Performance of Fiber-Reinforced High-Strength Concrete

Sometimes civil engineering infrastructures have been constructed in hot and cold weathering regions such as desert areas. In such situations, the concrete is not only smashed by hot and cold processes but also spoiled by shrinkage cracking. Therefore, this study intends to examine the influence of heat–cool cycles on high-strength concrete comprising various fibers, such as natural date palm, polypropylene, and steel fibers, and their different volume percentages. The most popular technique for improving the structural behavior of concrete is fiber insertion. Fibers decrease cracking occurrences, enhance early strength under impact loads, and increase a structure’s ability to absorb additional energy. The main goal is to examine the effects of three different types of fibers on regular concrete exposed to heat–cool cycles. For each type of fiber, three dosages of 0.2%, 0.6%, and 1% were used to create high-strength concrete. After 28 days of regular water curing and six months of exposure to heat-and-cold cycles, all specimens were tested. The heat–cool cycles entailed heating for two days at 60 °C in the oven and cooling for another two days at room temperature. The results of the experiment showed that fiber reinforcement in concrete improves its strength and durability. The flexural strength was substantially improved by increasing the date palm, polypropylene, and steel fibers into the high-strength concrete with and without heat–cool cycles. Adding increments of date palm, polypropylene, and steel fibers into high-strength concrete revealed a significant improvement in energy absorption capacity in both cases, i.e., with or without the implementation of heat–cool cycles. Therefore, the natural date palm fibers might be utilized to produce sustainable fibrous high-strength concrete and be applicable in severe weathering conditions.

The impact of alkaline/hydrogen peroxide pretreatment on hydrogen and methane production from biomasses of different origin: The case of willow sawdust and date palm fibers

The present study focuses on the use of two different agricultural residues of lignocellulosic origin, i.e. willow sawdust (WS) and date palm fibers (DPF), as substrates for batch methane and hydrogen production. Prior to use for biofuels production, the substrates were pretreated using dilute solutions of sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide or combinations of the above. The results showed that in almost all cases the pretreatment enhanced biofuels production, leading to remarkably high yields compared with the untreated substrates. Specifically, WS optimal yields were 200.40 ± 13.49 L CH4/kg of raw TS (94% increase) and 102.43 ± 12.25 L H2 per kg of raw TS (345% increase) and they were observed after the addition of the mixture of the two chemical agents for 24 h at 80 °C. Also, DPF optimal yields were 211.55 ± 16.18 L CH4/kg raw TS (62% increase) and 110.50 ± 7.97 L H2/kg of raw TS (310% increase) while they were achieved when hydrogen peroxide was added to the substrate first for 24 h at 80 °C and then sodium hydroxide for another 24 h at 80 °C.

Bioplastic reinforced with parthenocarpic date palm fibers: Characterization and microorganisms involved in degradation

The environment suffers more and more from the accumulation of plastics made by petrochemical rows, which are non-biodegradable. That is why this study aims to develop bio-based films by incorporating fibers concentrate of parthenocarpic date (FCPD) as easily available ingredients. The FCPD based film showed enhanced thickness, water solubility, phenol content and antioxidant capacity. However, the transparency was reduced which enhanced the film opacity by the addition of FCPD. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) showed homogeneity between fibers and the constituents of the film. The addition of FCPD did not change the FTIR peaks in comparison with starch-based film. The hydroxyl index value and water contact angle showed that the hydrophilicity increases with the film FCPD percentage. In addition, the FCPDs have enhanced the microbial biodegradation of the developed films as showed by SEM. Quantitative PCR using specific primers for nine target microbial groups showed that fungi were the predominant agent of the biodegradation. Among bacteria, real-time PCR showed that β-Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Bacteriodetes and α-Proteobacteria groups were involved in film biodegradation.

Sustainable heat insulation composites based on Portland cement reinforced with date palm fibers

In order to ensure thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption, a new composite based on Portland cement and date palm fiber was studied in this work. Our main objective is to study the possibility of integrating and using this new material as a thermal insulation material in the exterior coatings of buildings. Several composites were prepared for different weight concentrations (from 0% to 5%) of date palm fibers. The studied materials were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the hot wire method was used to measure thermo-physical properties. The results show that the addition of fibers has no effect on the chemical composition of the matrix, as shown by FTIR and XRD analyzes which proves the chemical stability. The results of the TGA analysis indicate that the inclusion of date palm fibers has an effect on the thermal characteristics of the matrix. The SEM analysis shows that there is good adhesion between the Portland cement and the plant fibers used and that the date palm fibers are well incorporated into the matrix, the SEM images also showed that the inclusion of the fibers increases the porosity. In addition, the results showed that the addition of the fibers of date palm a marked decrease in thermal conductivity, which makes the material insulating. Thus, the use of fibers in cement seems to be a promising option that allows it to be applied as a thermal coating material in buildings.

Evaluation of mechanical properties of biocomposites treated with date palm fiber

The utilization of environmentally friendly composite materials for building insulation offers a practical solution to reducing energy consumption. This study explores the application of novel biocomposites, comprising cement, sand, treated (DPFT) and raw (DPF) date palm fibers and their influence on the thermal and mechanical properties of mortars. The samples were prepared with varying weight percentages of date palm fibers (0%− 20%), treated with NaOH, and possessing a fiber length of 7 mm. Water absorption, density, resistance to bending and compression, thermal conductivity and diffusivity were encompassed. The results indicate that incorporating treated fibers has a beneficial effect on the thermal and mechanical properties of the composite when compared to using raw fibers. Additionally, higher proportions of DPF lead to decreased thermal conductivity, diffusivity, and resistance to bending and compression, highlighting the positive impact of DPFT on the composite’s thermal and mechanical attributes. Notably, the treated fiber composite significantly enhances the insulation capacity of the mortar.

Fabrication and mechanical behavior of date palm fibers reinforced high performance polymer composite

Fabrication and mechanical behavior of date palm fibers reinforced high performance polymer composite

Variations in composition and stability of biochars derived from different feedstock types at varying pyrolysis temperature

Feedstock type and pyrolysis temperature primarily affect the properties of resultant biochar. Therefore, the effects of several different feedstock types and various pyrolysis temperatures on structural, chemical, proximate, morphological, and elemental compositional characteristics of the resultant biochars were explored. Nine types of wastes (date palm fiber waste (DF), date palm leaf waste (DL), date palm petiole waste (DP), tomato plant waste (TM), cucumber plant waste (CC), poultry litter (PL), chicken feather waste (CH), cow dung (CD), and conocarpus waste (CN) were collected and pyrolyzed at varying temperatures (300, 400, 500, and 600 °C) to produce different types of biochar, which were subjected to physio-chemical, proximate, and ultimate analyses. Distinctive variations were observed in the characteristics of the used feedstock types and their derived biochars. The biochars derived from CC exhibited the highest pH (8.41–11.02), while the biochars derived from CH demonstrated the minimum pH (7.99–8.40). Overall, the biochars derived from PL, CC, TM, and DL showed higher contents of C as compared to the other biochars, suggesting higher stability. Contrarily, the biochars derived from CH and CD exhibited a higher labile C fraction, indicating its lower recalcitrance than other tested biochars. The biochars produced at low pyrolysis temperatures showed a comparatively amorphous surface with lower alkalinity and electrical conductivity, while higher moisture, net negative charge, labile carbon, and volatile contents. Contrarily, the higher pyrolysis temperature demonstrated the higher ash and fixed carbon contents with more surface porosity and comparatively higher non-labile carbon fraction. Biochar produced at 600 °C exhibited H/C and O/C atomic ratios of <0.2, suggesting higher stability and recalcitrant potential against biochars produced below 500 °C, which showed H/C and O/C atomic ratios in the range of 0.2–0.4.

An experimental evaluation of a new eco-friendly insulating material based on date palm fibers and polystyrene

The purpose of this study is to minimize the environmental impact and to reduce the cost of petroleum-derived polystyrene by the use of date palm leaves remnants in the production of polystyrene/date palm fiber composite materials (PS-DPF). Moreover, this new material must have mechanical properties and thermal insulation comparable or superior to those of virgin polystyrene (VPS) or other insulating materials. Three types of fibers are used to make samples with fillers of 10%, 20%, and 30% (by weight), namely untreated fiber (UDPF), fiber treated by alkalinisation (ADPF), and fiber treated by benzoylation (BDPF). The melt-mixing method and hot compression molding were used for the production of the composites. Various morphological, mechanical, and thermophysical tests were carried out on the produced composites. From scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs, it was determined that the dispersion of filler and its interfacial interactions with the matrix were improved due to a reduction in the OH group present on the fibers, as validated by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis (FTIR). X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies indicate that ADPF has the highest crystallinity index. The PS-DPF composites exhibited satisfactory tensile strength within the range of 14–27 MPa, flexural strength within the range of 31–44 MPa, and tensile and flexural modulus within the range of (2.9–5.9 GPa). The results revealed that alkaline and benzoylated treatment treatments increase the tensile and flexural strength while slightly decreasing the tensile and flexural modulus. Both chemical treatments demonstrated a similar impact on these attributes. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results indicated that samples of PS filled with 30% untreated and treated fibers have the maximum thermal stability compared to VPS, with a slight advantage for the untreated sample when residues are taken into account. The thermal conductivity (λ) of the composites produced was low (0.118–0.141 W/m.K) at 18°C, and its variation was incompatible with the bulk density (ρ), which varied from 860 to 980 kg/m3, and decreased with the incorporation of fibers. Moreover, replacing one-third of the composition of conventional building materials with a PS-DPF composite has shown promise for applications such as thermal insulation, with a reduction in thermal conductivity of up to 50%. The composite materials created have revealed their potential application as thermal insulators, which encourages the frequent exploitation of waste in date-producing countries.