Palm Fiber Research Articles

Enhancing the functionality of sugar palm (Arenga Pinnata) fibre reinforced polylactic acid composite filament of fused deposition modelling through Taguchi method

Constructing functional components using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is challenging due to various processing factors that influence the quality of the final product. The main reason for this is the many processing parameters involved, which have the ability to impact the quality of the produced components. The aim of this research is to use the Taguchi technique in attempt to improve the printing variables for attaining the best possible mechanical and physical qualities in the three-dimensional (3D) printed product made from sugar palm fibre reinforced polylactic acid (SPF/PLA). The layer thickness, infill density, and printing speed are characteristics that directly affect the mechanical qualities, surface roughness, and dimensional accuracy of FDM products. The research applied Taguchi’s L9 array, consisting of 9 experimental trials, with each trial including 5 duplicated specimens. Thus, a total of 45 specimens were generated by altering various processing settings. The most effective printing settings for FDM using SPF and PLA were found to be a layer thickness of 0.1 mm, infill density set to 100%, and a printing speed of 25 mm s−1. The microscopic images reveal a significant rise in the number of voids as the layer thickness is raised. Additionally, the printing speed has a substantial impact on the nead structure, making it more resilient. Overall, the results will provide a significant collection of data in the area of 3D printing, improving the utilization of indigenous plant fibres in additive manufacturing technology.

Optimization and Characterization of Exo-β-Glucanase Produced by Aspergillus flavus on Rice Bran and Oil Palm Fibre

Glucanases are important industrial enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of glucan into oligosaccharides. Commercial β-glucanases are produced from microorganisms such as Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus flavus, Pseudomonas fluorescens etc. The increasing application of glucanases in various industries has called for continuous search for a cheaper means of glucanase production. In this study, β-Glucanases were produced from Aspergillus flavus isolated from rice and oil mill refuse dump sites using rice bran and oil palm fibre as substrates. Production was carried out in a submerge fermentation. Optimum activities of crude Aspergillus flavus exo-β-glucanases were 2.36 and 2.34 µmol/ml/min at incubation period of 96 hours (rice bran) and 120 hours (oil palm fibre) respectively; 2.42 and 2.54 µmol/ml/min at pH 6.5 (rice bran) and 5.0 (oil palm fibre) respectively; 2.61 and 2.55 µmol/ml/min at temperature of 35 °C (rice bran) and 40 °C (oil palm fibre) respectively. Yeast extract gave the highest enzyme activity of 2.31 µmol/ml/min. The enzymes were precipitated with 80% ammonium sulphate resulting in 1.18 (rice bran) and 1.15 (oil palm fibre) purification fold. With dialysis tubing, results showed 1.50 (rice bran), 2.50 (oil palm fibre) purification fold. The addition of chloride salts and inhibitors influenced the enzyme activities by either increasing or decreasing the activity values. Results obtained from this work indicate that rice bran and oil palm fibre can be used effectively in the production of exo-β-glucanase under submerged fermentation system using Aspergillus flavus.

Enhancing the Bio-epoxy Composites with Oil Palm Fibre as Reinforcement: Assessment of Mechanical, Physical and Thermal Properties

Enhancing the Bio-epoxy Composites with Oil Palm Fibre as Reinforcement: Assessment of Mechanical, Physical and Thermal Properties

Investigation of oil palm fiber reinforced polylactic acid composite extruded filament quality

This study examines the quality of Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament reinforced with Oil Palm Fiber (OPF) for additive manufacturing applications. The research aims to create a composite filament that leverages the advantages of PLA, a biodegradable polymer, and OPF, a natural fiber from the oil palm tree, to enhance mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and printability. The methodology involves crushing the PLA filament and OPF to the desired size using a crusher machine, blending them in different ratios (e.g., 90:10 and 80:20 PLA to OPF), and using a hot-pressing process to bond the components. The resulting pelletized composites are then extruded into filaments using an extruder machine. The quality of the produced filament is assessed based on diameter consistency, surface smoothness, and printability, considering compatibility with 3D printers. The study reveals that composition ratios and processing parameters impact filament quality, leading to challenges such as diameter variations, rapid hardening, breakage, and extruder die clogs. Future recommendations were suggested to optimize compositions, refine processing, explore advanced extrusion, and investigate fiber distribution and bonding for improved filament properties. This research offers valuable insights for creating high-quality OPF-reinforced PLA filaments for additive manufacturing, advancing understanding of filament quality factors, and proposing ways to enhance composite filament performance across applications.

Water Absorption Behavior of Date Palm Fruit Branches Fiber (DPF) Composites: Experimental and Statistical Analyses

ABSTRACT The environmental effects on the response of Date Palm Fiber (DPF) composites are explored through an in-depth analysis of water absorption behavior. This study comprehensively investigates the influence of fiber content, immersion time, and water type on mass gain. Rigorous experimentation and advanced statistical analyses quantify the percent contribution of each factor, emphasizing the dominant role of fiber content at 96.61%. While immersion time and water type contribute relatively smaller percentages (2.11% and 1.28%, respectively), their insights are invaluable for tailored composite design. The study extends to interaction effects, showcasing the combined influence of factors. Regression models, progressing from linear and reciprocal formulations to comprehensive global models, are developed. Meticulous examination of prediction accuracy, using diverse statistical metrics, highlights the superior performance of the global reciprocal model across different water types. This work provides essential insights for optimizing DPF composite design, fabrication, and application, empowering engineers and researchers to make informed decisions in industries demanding tailored water absorption behavior.

Pemanfaatan Limbah Cangkang Telur dan Ijuk Daun Aren Sebagai Filter Alami Untuk Penyaringan Polusi Udara

This study investigates the potential use of eggshell waste and sugar palm fibers (ijuk) as natural filters for air pollution. Eggshells, rich in calcium carbonate, and ijuk, with its dense fibrous structure, are hypothesized to effectively capture airborne pollutants. An experimental method was employed to create and test filters made from these materials. Results show that the combination of eggshells and ijuk significantly reduces pollutant particle concentrations, providing an environmentally friendly alternative for air filtration.

Preparation of magnetic activated carbon fibers@Fe3O4 by electrostatic self-assembly method and adsorption properties for methylene blue.

Nano-Fe3O4 was loaded onto coconut-based activated carbon fibres (CACF) using an electrostatic self-assembly method. The effects of the mass ratio of CACF to nano-Fe3O4, loading time, pH and temperature on the loading effect were investigated and ideal loading conditions were determined. To study the adsorption performance of MACF@Fe3O4 for methylene blue, the effects of the initial concentration, pH and time on the adsorption were investigated and the working conditions of adsorption were established. MACF@Fe3O4 was systematically characterized. Adsorption kinetics were investigated under ideal conditions. The ideal loading conditions for MACF@Fe3O4 were as follows: mass ratio of 1:1, 20 min, pH 9.36, 22.5°C. The saturation magnetization of MACF@Fe3O4 was 48.2263 emu·g-1, which could be quickly separated under an external magnetic field. When the dosage was 0.010 g, the adsorption rate reached 97.29% and the maximum adsorption capacity was 12.1616 mg·g-1. The adsorption process conformed to pseudo-first-order kinetics during the first 15 min and pseudo-second-order kinetics during 20-120 min. The equations were and , respectively. The isothermal adsorption model showed that MACF@Fe3O4 was more in line with the Langmuir model, indicating that the adsorption process was mainly monolayer adsorption. The thermodynamic analysis results showed that the adsorption process of MB by MACF@Fe3O4 was an endothermic process. In this study, MACF@Fe3O4 with high adsorption capacity and easy separation from coconut palm fibres has good application prospects in the field of adsorption, which can promote the high-value utilization of coconut palms.

Enhancing photovoltaic panel efficiency with innovative cooling Technologies: An experimental approach

The increase in photovoltaic panel temperature brought on by solar radiation absorption lowers performance, power output, energy efficiency, and panel longevity (a rise in temperature of just one degree causes power drop of 0.41 %). In an effort to alleviate this problem, this thorough study multiple novel cooling strategies to enhance solar system efficiency, especially photovoltaic panels in Egyptian climates remote areas. The three main routines for photovoltaic panel cooling are contingent on the following techniques: (1) evaporative cooling using marble, (2) evaporative cooling using palm fibers with fan-assisted airflow, and (3) thermoelectric cooler modules. These materials that used in the studied system as coolants are characterized by, abundant local availability in nature and low cost, especially in Egypt. Every method has been designed with a control system. According to the study, starting the cooling process at the greatest temperature that is permitted—45 °C—produces the maximum energy output from photovoltaic panels while balancing the need for cooling and energy production. Using these cooling methods causes the average temperature to be lowered by 16, 11.62, and 9.8 degrees Celsius for thermoelectric, marble, and palm fiber cooling respectively while the voltage output is enhanced by 2.58, 0.94, and 0.7 V. The recorded values indicate 4.59 %, 3.95 %, 2.15 % increase in photovoltaic panel exit power and 25.29 %, 15.79 %, and 15.1 % increase in photovoltaic panel energy conversion efficiency when thermoelectric, marble, and palm fibers cooler modules are used, respectively. This study is a priceless resource for scholars looking to improve photovoltaic panel performance by executing efficient cooling strategies with annual costs 0.017, 0.02, 0.026, and 0.024 $/kWh and payback periods 1.69, 2.07, 2.71, and 2.48 years for reference panel, marble cooling panel, palm fiber cooling pane, and thermoelectric cooling panel respectively.

Fatigue Analysis on Hybrid Sugar Palm-Kenaf Fibre Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

ABSTRACT Hybrid natural-natural fibre reinforced polymer composites become attractive alternative to seek the friendly-environmentally materials. Study on the durability level of the hybrid composites have the importance reason due to the role in application as structural function. This study focuses on examining the fatigue strength of polypropylene polymer composites reinforced with hybrid sugar palm-kenaf fibres. The hybrid composite materials were prepared by mixing the fibres and matrix with several compositions. There are five composition types of specimens that evaluated, such as 70:10:10, 70:15:15, 70:20:10, 80:10:10 and 90:5:5. The hybrid composites were composed by PP, sugar palm fibre and kenaf fibre. Furtheremore the tensile test were conducted to find the value of ultimate tensile strength for every specimens of hybrid composites. The fatigue test also were conducted with four level of stress i.e. 80%, 70%, 60% and 50%. The results show that in the lower level of stress, the hybrid composites with higher content of sugar palm fibre posses the better performance of fatigue life compare to the others

Silver nanoparticle-decorated cellulose beads: Eco-friendly catalysts for efficient 4-nitrophenol reduction and antibacterial performance

This study presents an innovative and environmentally friendly method to produce fibrous cellulose beads by mechanically stirring natural fibers in an aqueous medium. Date palm fibers are transformed into uniform beads with a diameter of 1.5 to 2 mm through chemical treatment and mechanical agitation. These beads are then decorated with silver nanoparticles (Ag0 NPs) in a one-step synthesis, giving them catalytic capabilities for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and antibacterial activities. Characterization techniques such as FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and TGA confirmed the successful synthesis and deposition of Ag0 NPs on the cellulose beads. Tests showed complete conversion of 4-NP to 4-AP in just 7 min, with pseudo-first-order kinetics and a Kapp of 0.590 min-1. Additionally, Ag0@CB demonstrated exceptional recyclability and stability over five cycles, with minimal silver release. The beads also showed strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, effectively eradicating bacterial colonies in 30 min. In summary, Ag0@CB exhibits multifunctional capabilities for degrading organic pollutants and biomedical applications, offering promising potential for large-scale production and practical use in water treatment and antibacterial coatings.

Revolutionizing Asphalt Engineering: Unveiling The Influence of Oil Palm Fiber Reinforcement on The Mechanical Attributes of Asphalt Mixtures

Abstract: The increasing demand for environmentally and economically sustainable technologies necessitates innovative approaches in material engineering. This study investigates the repurposing of waste materials by integrating oil palm fiber (OPFib) as reinforcement in porous asphalt mixtures. The primary objective is to examine the effects of adding varying amounts of OPFib (1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%) on the mechanical properties of asphalt, specifically aiming to improve the asphalt's softening point, viscosity, binder drain-down, and air void characteristics. The methodology involves a series of controlled laboratory tests under diverse conditions to measure these properties. The results indicate that adding OPFib enhances the performance of asphalt by raising the softening point and viscosity, decreasing binder drain-down, and achieving optimal air void levels at certain OPFib concentrations. However, higher OPFib content leads to diminished overall performance. These findings provide insights into the use of OPFib in asphalt mixtures, offering a sustainable solution that enhances road durability and performance, while effectively utilizing waste materials.Abstrak: Meningkatnya permintaan akan teknologi yang ramah lingkungan dan berkelanjutan secara ekonomi membutuhkan pendekatan inovatif dalam rekayasa material. Penelitian ini menyelidiki pemanfaatan kembali bahan limbah dengan mengintegrasikan serat kelapa sawit (OPFib) sebagai penguat pada campuran aspal porus. Tujuan utamanya adalah untuk menguji pengaruh penambahan OPFib dalam jumlah yang bervariasi (1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, dan 5%) terhadap sifat mekanik aspal, khususnya untuk meningkatkan titik lembek aspal, viskositas, aliran aspal dan karakteristik rongga udara. Metodologi yang digunakan adalah serangkaian pengujian laboratorium sebagai kontrol dalam berbagai kondisi untuk mengukur sifat-sifat tersebut. Hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa penambahan OPFib meningkatkan kinerja aspal dengan meningkatkan nilai titik lembek dan viskositas, mengurangi binder drain-down, dan mencapai tingkat rongga udara yang optimal pada konsentrasi OPFib tertentu. Namun, kandungan OPFib yang lebih tinggi menyebabkan penurunan kinerja secara keseluruhan. Temuan ini memberikan pemahaman tentang penggunaan OPFib dalam campuran aspal, menawarkan solusi berkelanjutan yang meningkatkan daya tahan dan kinerja jalan, sekaligus secara efektif memanfaatkan bahan limbah.

Mechanical Properties of Cross Laminated Panels Made From Date Palm Fibres

Mechanical Properties of Cross Laminated Panels Made From Date Palm Fibres

Development of Decorative Resin Wall Tiles with Various Natural Fibers

Resin tile is an economic tiling solution that’s perfect for DIY installations, with attractive patterns, affordable, eco-friendly and designs easily to restyle your walls. This study aimed to develop and determine the acceptability of decorative resin wall tiles with various natural fibers that can be used in by every homeowner. The develop decorative resin wall tiles with various natural fibers was evaluated in terms of appearance, texture, durability by Tile Experts of Floor Center Ilagan City, Isabela. The finished product can be used as handicraft, wall decorations and for interior design purposes. The developmental study was used in determining the level of acceptability of decorative resin tiles with various natural fibers in terms of appearance, texture, and durability. The study used five-point Likert Scale to determine the descriptive rating of the indicators used; the Weighted Mean (WM) to interpret the equivalent meaning of the data gathered. Two set of molder were placed with the composites were measuring-mixing method followed by molding: For T1 contains banana and coconut fiber and T2 contains bamboo and palm fiber their design was a basket weave. Next was applying the Epoxy Resins to the finished with a ratio of 3:100 or 1% to 3% (max) by volume to cure the epoxy resin. Next was removing the decorative tile from molder and trim the edges and corners of the decorative tile and refined. The findings of the study indicated Highly Acceptable in terms of appearance with a total weighted mean of 4.5, moderately acceptable in terms of texture with a total weighted mean of 4.10, Highly Acceptable in terms of durability with a total weighted mean of 4.26 and for the general mean moderately acceptable with a total weighted mean of 4.36. The testing results for the developed product were good because the researchers found that the appearance and texture of their finished product did not change when it was soak in water and applied with a hot object and not easily break when it drop to floor.

Evaluation of the mechanical properties of adobe bricks when adding palm fiber and lime

Evaluation of the mechanical properties of adobe bricks when adding palm fiber and lime

Impact of Date-Palm Fibers on Fine Soil’s Compaction and Strength Properties

This paper investigates the influence of date-palm fibers on the compaction and strength properties of fine soil. The laboratory tests, including specific gravity, compaction tests, and unconfined compression strength tests, were conducted, integrating different proportions (ranging from 0 to 2%) of date-palm fibers into the soil mixture. The palm fibers were divided into two distinct lengths (30 mm and 60 mm) to be mixed with the soil. Nine samples were prepared with varying proportions of date-palm fibers for the experimental investigation, aiming to specifically examine the influences exerted by both palm-fiber length and palm-fiber content on the soil's compaction and strength characteristics when mixed with date-palm fibers. The compaction test results demonstrate a decrease in the dry unit weight and an increase in the optimum moisture content by approximately 10%. Additionally, the length of the date-palm fibers impacts the optimum moisture content and the maximum dry unit weight of the soil mixture. In contrast, the unconfined compressive stress increased by about 30% with higher date-palm fiber contents. This increase in unconfined compressive stress due to increased date-palm fiber content is a significant finding, indicating improved soil strength. This finding holds the enhancing construction performance, sustainability, and cost-efficiency. In conclusion, this soil-fiber mixture shows suitable hydraulic applications. The utilization of natural materials in civil engineering demands the exploration of available natural fibers.

A Review on Failure Analysis of Date Palm Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

A Review on Failure Analysis of Date Palm Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

Enhanced Thermal Performance of Alkali-Treated Bamboo, Coir, and Date Palm Fiber Composites for Solar Distillation Applications

Enhanced Thermal Performance of Alkali-Treated Bamboo, Coir, and Date Palm Fiber Composites for Solar Distillation Applications

Potential of Date Palm Fibers (DPFs) as a Sustainable Reinforcement for Bio‐ Composites and its Property Enhancement for Key Applications: A Review

AbstractThis article presents a comprehensive review of the advancements in the use of Date Palm Fiber (DPF) reinforced composites, highlighting their mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties and the enhancements achieved through various modification techniques. Date palm fibers, a sustainable and biodegradable resource, have garnered significant interest due to their potential in reducing environmental impact across several key industries, including building and construction, automotive, and packaging. The review discusses the effects of hybrid approaches and physical and chemical treatments on the mechanical properties of DPF composites, demonstrating improvements in tensile strength, elasticity, and flexural strength through optimized fiber‐matrix bonding and reduced moisture absorption. Thermal behavior analyses through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), and thermal conductivity underscore the composites’ suitability for applications requiring high thermal stability and conductivity for insulation applications. Morphological studies reveal that surface‐treated fibers integrate more effectively with various polymeric matrices, leading to enhanced composite performance. The practical applications of DPF composites are explored, emphasizing their role in promoting sustainable manufacturing practices. Challenges such as scalability, cost‐efficiency, and performance consistency are addressed, alongside future perspectives that suggest a promising direction for further research and technological development in the field of natural fiber composites. This review aims to solidify the foundation for ongoing advancements and increase the adoption of DPF composites in commercial applications.

Optimizing the Use of Palm Fiber to Increase Stability and Deformation Resistance in Asphalt Concrete Mixes

Modifying asphalt binder materials with fiber reinforcement is one approach to improving the performance of asphalt concrete mixtures. This research aims to evaluate the effect of optimal palm fiber concentration on strengthening and improving the properties of the mixture and rutting resistance. Test specimens were made with four variations in the composition of a mixture of different palm fiber percentages (0%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.85) with lengths (0.4 cm, 0.6 cm, 0.8 cm, and 1.0 cm) using an optimum asphalt content of 6% to evaluate the properties of the asphalt concrete mixture based on the Marshall Test. In comparison, the rutting indicator was evaluated using a wheel tracking tool with four variations in the percentage of palm fiber to an optimal length of 0.8 cm. The results of the Marshall test research showed that palm fiber increased stability by 6%, with the highest stability at a percentage of palm fiber of 0.6% with a length of 0.8 cm 1210.45 kg, higher than the normal mixture with a stability value of 1142.59 kg, VIM value decreased by 14% compared to the normal mixture and increased the flexibility of the mixture at the optimum percentage composition of palm fiber 0.6% length 8 cm by 4%. Fibre wheel tracking test results show that adding fiber fibers increases the groove and rutting resistance of optimum fiber by 53% with a total deformation value of 0.856 mm, dynamic stability of 5727 passes/mm, and a deformation rate of 0.007/mm/minute. Palm fiber is not strong enough to withstand heat due to a mixing temperature of 150oC and a compaction temperature of 140oC, with a higher risk of fiber damage

Characteristics of Insulating Panels Realised from Coconut Palm Fibres for Low-Temperature Thermal Insulation

In recent years, there has been growing interest in issues relating to pollution and energy consumption, and the resulting regulations have led the construction sector to focus on thermal insulation. The application of bio-based insulation materials can help to minimise the environmental impact of buildings by reducing energy demand both during construction and over the lifetime of the building. Agroforestry biomass plays an interesting role, as its use can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of this work is to produce insulating panels from agroforestry by-products for low-temperature thermal insulation applications. The insulating panels in this study are produced from coconut palm fibres and their thermophysical properties are determined. They were produced using a human-motricity press and the temperature rise was controlled using the hot-tape method. Characteristics such as calorific value and modelling of temperature rise as a function of time to calculate thermal conductivity, thermal effusivity and diffusivity were determined. The calorific value varies from 3668.0 to 4135.0 and from 3742.0 to 4186.0 cal.g-1 when the moisture content is 11.28 and 10.61%, respectively. The thermal conductivity, effusivity and thermal diffusivity are 0.4 W.m-1.K-1, 760.30 J.m-2.°C-1.s-1/2 and 2.73.10-7 m.s-1, respectively. In view of these results, coconut fibre represents a potential precursor to produce insulating panels.