Palm Tree Fibers Research Articles

Assessment of mechanical and physicochemical properties of palm fiber composites: Effect of alkaline treatment and volume alterations

This study assesses the impact of alkaline treatments and volume fractions on biocomposites composed of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix reinforced with date palm tree fibers (FPDS). Tensile tests were conducted on both untreated and NaOH-treated biocomposites. Additionally, fiber analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results reveal higher strength and stiffness compared to HDPE, albeit with limited plasticity making the material brittle. The NaOH treatment enhances certain mechanical properties. Further assessments encompassed hardness, density, melt index, and Izod impact tests. Two volume fractions, 20% and 25%, of FPDS were tested. The study establishes a correlation between empirical predictions and artificial neural network (ANN) models. Notably, an ANN architecture consisting of two input factors, 10 hidden nodes, and one output provides the analysis of mechanical properties. This investigation highlights the potential of FPDS-reinforced HDPE biocomposites, emphasizing their mechanical performance under various treatments and fiber levels.

The effect of recycled date palm tree fibers on the impact fatigue and residual static strength of adhesively bonded joints

The role of natural fibers on the impact fatigue strength of bonded single lap joints (SLJs) has been experimentally investigated. The use of natural fiber offers several advantages, including the potential to recycle natural resources and the utilization of sustainable materials. Four types of natural date palm tree fibers (DPTFs) including Rachis, Petiole, Bunch, and Mesh were used to improve the impact fatigue life and the residual static strength of joints after enduring repetitive low energy impacts. The fibers were treated by 6 wt% of NaOH solution and cut manually to short size (0.5–2 mm) and were used by weight ratios of 2 and 5 %. The results show that the addition of DPTFs to the adhesive layer significantly improves the impact fatigue strength of the reinforced joints compared to neat adhesive SLJs. The joints reinforced by 5 wt% and 2 wt% of Mesh improved the impact fatigue life of the joints by 197 % and 87 %, respectively. The impact fatigue life of the joints modified by 5 wt% of fibers was more than the joints reinforced by 2 wt%. Fractography analysis also showed that DPTFs make the crack propagation more stable and increase the strength of the tested joints on different conditions.

In Conversation with Salima Naji

Salima Naji is a registered architect (Paris La Villette School of Architecture, Paris) with a PhD in social anthropology from the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales. She is based in Morocco and has been working on projects to protect southern Morocco’s oasis heritage for the past twenty years. She has designed, restored, or built over thirty bioclimatic buildings in unfired clay and/or stone: maternity hospitals, cultural and women’s centers, eco-lodges or hostels, boarding schools, museums, etc. She established her practice in Morocco in 2004, a studio specializing in the innovative use of sustainable raw materials and biosourced technologies (earth, stone, and palm tree fiber). In addition to her professional work, she also participates in sustainable research and action programs for environmental development in collaboration with local communities. She has published extensively, both in academia and for a larger audience, in French, English, and Arabic. Naji was awarded the Young Architects Prize from the EDF Foundation (Paris, 2004), the Holcim Prize for Sustainable Development, Africa-Middle East (2011), Takrim of the Order of Architects of Morocco (2010 and 2019), and the Chevalier Arts & Lettres de la République Française (2017). She was also twice shortlisted for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (2013 and 2022).

Low and High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Glycol as A Treating and Coupling Agent in High Density Polyethylene/Date Palm Tree Fiber Composites

nical properties and water absorption (WA) behavior of high density polyethylene/date palm tree fiber (HDPE/DPTF) composites were investigated. Two different parts of the date palm tree (mesh and leaflets) were used. The focus was on studding the combination effect of using both low and/or high molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a treatment and coupling agent, respectively on shore D hardness, impact strength and water absorption behavior of the composites. Morphological properties of the prepared composites were also investigated. Results showed that treating the fibers with low molecular weight PEG had a significant effect, which resulted in composites with better shore D hardness and impact strength compared to pure HDPE and composites made with untreated fibers. Furthermore, the use of high molecular weight PEG as a coupling agent resulted in better impact strength and shore D hardness, indicating the presence of a strong interaction between the fibers and the HDPE matrix. Morphological observations of composites made with untreated fibers by scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed the formation of some fiber aggregation, fiber debonding and fiber pullout in composites made with untreated fibers. Contrary, the composites made with PEG as a treatment and/or coupling agent showed no fiber aggregation or fiber debonding.

Mechanical and durability behaviour of fiber reinforced concrete

Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC) is broadly used in the construction of large buildings, industrial floors, and pavements due to the presence of exceptional mechanical and durable properties, having modest production cost. The impact of different types of fiber and environmental conditions on the strength and durability of ordinary concrete, such as steel fiber, polypropylene(PP) fiber, and natural palm tree fiber, varies. A variety of conventional material tests were performed to analyze the compressive strength and flexural properties. The experimental results showed that fiber stomping may take place at higher fiber volume fractions, resulting in mixing and casting issues. Based on the mechanical properties and anti-dry-shrinkage cracking resistance of FRC, the suitable fiber length and volume fractions were determined. In 28 days of water curing, adding small amounts of PP fiber can significantly increase compressive strength, flexural strength, and durability. However, in 6 months of wet-dry and heat-cool cycles, steel fiber performed better than PP fiber. The study also found that early shrinking of cracks decreases with an increase in fiber volume fraction, and no cracks are observed when a volume of 0.20% is used. These results can be used as a testimonial for the material proportion design of concrete.

Phisycal and Thermomechanical Characteristics of Epoxy Biocomposites Laminates Reinforced by Mat of Date Palm Tree Fibers

Phisycal and Thermomechanical Characteristics of Epoxy Biocomposites Laminates Reinforced by Mat of Date Palm Tree Fibers

Impact strength improvement of adhesively bonded structures using natural date palm tree fibers

Four different types of natural date palm tree fibers (DPTFs), including Rachis, Petiole, Bunch, and Mesh, were used as short fibers added to single lap adhesive joints subjected to quasi static and impact loading. The results show that the fibers have a remarkable effect on the static and impact strengths of the joints. Adding 2 wt% and 5 wt% of Bunch fibers to the adhesive layer impressively increased the impact strength by 196% and 62%, respectively. The analysis of fracture surfaces showed that DPTFs make the crack propagation more stable and increase the strength and the damping capacity of the joints.

Effective Th(IV) adsorption by oxidized biochar prepared from palm tree fibers

Effective Th(IV) adsorption by oxidized biochar prepared from palm tree fibers

Facile Preparation and Analytical Utility of ZnO/Date Palm Fiber Nanocomposites in Lead Removal from Environmental Water Samples.

This study reports a facile approach for preparing low-cost, eco-friendly nanocomposites of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and date palm tree fiber (DPF) as a biomass sorbent. The hypothesis of this research work is the formation of an outstanding adsorbent based on the date palm fiber and ZnO nanoparticles. ZnO NP/DPF nanocomposites were synthesized by mixing the synthesized ZnO NPs and DPF in different mass ratios and evaluating their efficacy in adsorbing Pb2+ from aqueous solutions. The structure and surface morphology of the developed ZnO NP/DPF nanocomposite were critically characterized by XRD, FESEM, and TEM techniques. Compared to ZnO NPs, the ZnO NP/DPF nanocomposites displayed significantly enhanced Pb2+ uptake. Pb2+ adsorption was confirmed via various isotherm and kinetic models and thermodynamics. The computed Langmuir sorption capacity ) was found to be 88.76 mg/g (R2 > 0.998), and the pseudo-second-order R2 > 0.999 model was most appropriate for describing Pb2+ adsorption. Impregnating the biomass with ZnO NPs enhanced the spontaneity of the process, and the value (−56.55 kJ/mol) of displayed the exothermic characteristics of Pb2+ retention. Only the loaded ZnO NP/DPF achieved the removal of a high percentage (84.92%) of Pb2+ from the environmental water sample (seawater). This finding suggests the use of ZnO NP/DPF nanocomposites for removing heavy metals from environmental water samples to purify the samples.

The usage of palm (Washingtonia filifera) fibers for the removal of crystal violet from synthetic dye solution by adsorption

The objective to obtain cheap and easily synthesized adsorbents from natural materials is gaining importance day by day. Adsorbents should be environmentally friendly, non-toxic, easily produced, insoluble in water, have a porous structure, have a large surface area, and be scientifically accepted. In this study, the removal of crystal violet dye from synthetic dyestuff solution was investigated using palm tree (Washingtonia filifera) fibers. In order to determine the contact time, the first set of experiments employed 0.5 g of palm fibers and initial dye concentrations between 2.5-160 mg/L. As a result of the study, it was determined that the crystal violet removal was 87.96% at the end of the 180-minute contact time at equilibrium, and the removal complied with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model type 1. The equilibrium time for the highest initial adsorbate concentration (160 mg/L) was 2880 minutes (2 days) in stationary phase systems while it was 180 minutes (3 hours) in mobile phase systems. It was also understood that palm fiber, which is an environmentally advantageous material, can be used in the removal of crystal violet dyestuff.

Experimental performance evaluation of date palm fibers for a direct evaporative cooler operating in hot and arid climate

This paper presents an experimental investigation of a direct evaporative cooler, DEC, designed and installed in the hot and arid region of Biskra, Algeria. Date palm tree fibers are used as a novel evaporative cooling material. Different performance parameters are experimentally tested to assess the thermal performances of the DEC system. Results show that the cooling capacity, cooling efficiency and total cooling capacity of the pad improve by increasing the pad thickness and air mass flow rate in extreme ambient conditions. Besides, operation duration has no remarkable effect on the DEC performance. The operating parameters (pad thickness, air mass flow rate, ambient conditions, quantity and temperature of water) are the determinant factors to reach the optimum operating conditions of DEC. Finally, a comparison with the usual cooling systems shows that the date palm fibers pad is an effective material compared to the conventional pads in hot and arid zones.

Lignocellulosic Biomass Waste Adsorbent for Removal of Dye from Aqueous Solution

Date Palm Tree Fiber (DPTF) is a renewable raw material which is considered a biomass waste excess of date farms and manufactures. This biomass was successfully utilized as solid phase extractor (SPE) for removal of methylene Blue dye (MB) from polluted water. The chemical composition and the surface morphology of the SPE was critically assigned based on FT-IR, and FE-SEM. In batch separation mode, the impact of several analytical parameters e.g. contact time, weight of biomass, solution pH and initial concentration on the MB dye uptake from aqueous media by DPTF solid adsorbent was critically studied. At the optimized parameters, good adsorption capacity (qe,exp =9.153 mg/g) at pH 6 was achieved. The data of MB uptake were subjected to Langmuir and Freundlich to assign the most probable retention mechanism. The adsorption fitted well with Langmuir isotherm models qm 648 mg/g. The data were fitted well with pseudo- second order model as supported from the qe,cal (9.225 mg/g) value. Excellent extraction (99%) of MB dye was achieved from the environmental water samples. The DPTF solid sorbent is a non-toxic and renewable raw material of lignocellulosic biomass has a potential to uptake MB dye from wastewater.

Application of Novel Natural Biomass as Plant Growth Media in Renewable Energy Based Controlled Environment Growing System

In this research study, the feasibility of renewable energy based green house was investigated for sustainable food production under arid climatic conditions. The novel hybrid biomass based matrix (Coco Date Palm Coir matrix), was synthesized from Oman’s date palm tree fibers and coconut coir. The characterization of the matrix was done in terms of bulk density (0.09 g/cc), particle density (0.23 g/cc), porosity (61%), moisture content (37.4%) and water holding capacity (65.6%). The hydroponic system based greenhouse employing evaporative cooling based climate control technique is used for the identification of novel plant growth matrix for the successful demonstration of plant growth. The experimental trials were conducted over the one-year period with dedicated cycles with average 7-8 weeks duration. The experiments conducted verified the growth of Lettuce over two cycles and the plant growth rate and wet biomass are recorded and compared. The growth of the plant attained at the end of week 5 was 175 mm and the maximum growth of 293 mm at the end of 58 days.

Strength and Deformation Characteristics of Dune Sand Earth Blocks Reinforced with Natural and Polymeric Fibers

In this paper, we present a strength and deformation evaluation of earth blocks reinforced with different types of fiber. A natural palm tree fiber and two other types of synthetic polyolefin fibers were used to improve earth blocks’ strength and stiffness. The soil used to cast the earth blocks was composed of dune sand, which is extensively available in the United Arab Emirates and most Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) deserts, and clayey silt soil acquired from Al-Ain city, UAE. Sixteen different mixes were prepared for this study. Two identical earth blocks were cast in a wooden mold from each mix to form a total of 32 blocks. After compaction, the blocks were consolidated under pre-specified pressure, air dried, and tested to failure in the compression machine. The main parameters investigated in this study were clay content, fiber types and percentages, and cement content. The results indicate that the addition of natural or polymeric fiber to cast earth blocks significantly improved their compressive strength. The maximum compressive strength of improved blocks showed an increase of more than 30% above the maximum compressive strength recorded for identical soil blocks without fiber. In addition, the post-peak and pre-peak strength behaviors of the earth blocks are different with different fiber contents. Finally, the addition of 0.5% cement to the fiber-reinforced blocks showed a negligible effect on the peak compressive strength. However, cement content improved the early stage (small strain) stiffness of earth blocks.

Influence of Date Palm Tree Fibers on the Tensile Fracture Energy of an Epoxy-based Adhesive

ABSTRACT In the previous study, the effect of date palm fibers on the shear strength of adhesively bonded joints has been investigated by the same authors. Nevertheless, the role of these bio-based fibers on the fracture energy of adhesives has not been explored. The current study was conducted to comprehend the influences of date palm fibers on mode I fracture energy (GIc ) of adhesives. To this aim, the fibers were collected from four different parts of a date palm tree (Bunch, Rachis, Petiole, and Mesh). After an alkalization treatment, they were cut into 0.5 to 2 mm and added to the adhesive in three various weight ratios (2, 5, and 10%). The fracture energy of the neat and reinforced adhesively bonded double cantilever beam (DCB) was then experimentally analyzed utilizing a compliance-based method. The outcomes prove the outstanding potential of the date palm fibers in enhancing the tensile fracture energy of adhesives. The highest improvement in GIc was achieved by 10 wt% Rachis fibers where the fracture energy of the enhanced adhesive was 7.6 times higher than the neat adhesive. The microscopic images of fracture surfaces revealed the significant roles of the considered fibers in the improvement of the GIc of the adhesive.

Implementation and Characterization of a Laminate Hybrid Composite Based on Palm Tree and Glass Fibers.

In this work, laminated polyester thermoset composites based on palm tree fibers extracted from palms leaflets and glass mats fibers were manufactured to develop hybrid compositions with good mechanical properties; the mixture of fibers was elaborated to not exceed 25 vol.%. Samples were prepared with a resin transfer molding (RTM) method and mechanically characterized using tensile and flexural, hardness, and impact tests, and ultrasonic waves as a non-destructive technique. The water sorption of these composite materials was carried out in addition to solar irradiation aging for approximately 300 days to predict the applicability and the long-term performance of the manufactured composites. Results have shown that the use of glass fibers significantly increased all properties; however, an optimum combination of the mixture could be interesting and could be developed with less glass sheet and more natural fibers, which is the goal of this study. On the other hand, exposure to natural sunlight deteriorated the mechanical resistance of the neat resin after only 60 days, while the composites kept high mechanical resistance for 365 days of exposure.

PHYSICAL AND THERMAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CEMENTITIOUS COMPOSITES BASED ON PLANT-BIOMASS

This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the evaluation ofphysical and thermal properties of cementitious composites based on plant biomass (rice husks and palm tree fibers). Composites produced are cement mortars with total replacement of sand by aggregates of rice husks (B) or palm tree fibers (F). Three cement content (D1, D2 and D3) and two granulometries of biomass (coarse mixture and fine mixture) were used for the manufacturing of studied samples. After 28 days of curing, dry density, water absorption by capillarity and thermal conductivity of mortars were measured. The results show that dry density and thermal conductivity of composites increase with cement content while water absorption by capillarity decreases with an increase of cement content regardless of biomass size particle. In addition, thermal conductivity increases with dry density and decreases with water absorption by capillary. For all studied mixtures, composites based on palm tree fibers give better results (high dry density, low water absorption coefficient and low thermal conductivity) than those based on rice husks. The results also indicate that the replacement of sand by aggregates of rice husks or palm tree fibers in mortars is an interesting option to be considered to produce new materials with low thermal conductivities (less than 0.50 W/mK).

Preparation of Amazonian Palm Tree Fiber (Manicaria saccifera Gaertn.) for Composite Materials

In the last fifteen years, a new approach has emerged in the design field: the process of development of new materials and the involvement of designers as original creators, making use of underutilized local materials. This paper aims to describe the preparation of an Amazonian palm tree fiber (Manicaria saccifera Gaertn.) for the use at composites materials. The raw materials were extracted from the Marajó archipelago - Brazil by local communities that traditionally work with the material. The process involves the measure of weight, length, and thickness at six different points of the raw specimen; manual washing and cleaning; drying with stopping criterion; and visual analyses of the specimen with trimming and cutting, for the potential use at composites. The results for 80 specimens show that the method adopted allowed easy and quick preparation of the specimens and can be used for other local materials, respecting its characteristics.

Removal of Anionic and Cationic Dyes from Wastewater Using Activated Carbon from Palm Tree Fiber Waste

This study focuses on using a facile method for the green preparation of activated carbon (AC) from palm tree fiber (PTF) waste. The synthesized cost-effective AC was investigated for the removal of an anionic dye (Congo red, CR) and a cationic dye (Rhodamine B, RhB) from wastewater. The morphological and structural characterization of the synthesized AC were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), surface area, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), total pore volume, average pore diameter and pore size distribution, zeta potential, and zero-point charge. To investigate the adsorption efficiency, different parameters such as adsorbent dosage, solution pH, initial dye concentration, and duration were applied using the batch experiments. Various adsorption isotherm and kinetics models were applied to study the adsorption mechanism and dynamics. The results showed that chemical activation with a weak acid (H3PO4) at 400 °C for 30 min is a fast method for the activation of each precursor and produces a high yield. The result of analysis showed an increase in the adsorption capacity at pH 2. The maximum adsorption capacity was 9.79 and 26.58 mg g−1 at 30 min for CR dye and RhB dye, respectively. The optimum adsorbent dosage for the activated carbon from palm tree fiber (PTFAC) was 0.15 g with a high percentage removal of CR (98.24%) and RhB (99.86%) dyes. The adsorption isotherm and kinetic studies were found to be favorable and feasible for assessing the adsorption of dyes with the Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order reaction, respectively. In addition, the AC showed reusability up to five cycles. The results showed that the synthesized AC was environmentally friendly and successfully removed dyes from wastewater.

Performance of Repair Mortar with Natural Fibers

ABSTRACTConcrete is the most used material in the world after water because of its good mechanical characteristics and its reasonable cost. However, reinforced concrete structures can be damaged by corrosion or other chemical attacks and require repair and maintenance. The repair materials need to satisfy some mechanical and physico-chemical characteristics. Ready-made repair mortars are widely used. However, they are quite expensive, generally imported and they frequently incorporate low volume of synthetic fibers. This paper reports an experimental investigation designing an environmental friendly repair mortar made of local mineral addition (natural pozzolan (PN) and slag (SL)) and local natural fibers. The natural fibers used are Alfa fibers and date palm tree fibers at a volume ratio of 0.75%. The physical and mechanical properties studied are compressive strength, bending strength, total shrinkage and bond strength by slant shear and pull-off tests. The durability of the mortar was assessed by water capillary absorption. The results are compared to those of a reference mortar. The results showed that the substitution of cement by slag and natural pozzolan lead to a decrease in shrinkage (at 28 days of age). The use of date palm and alfa fibers improves the bending strength but reduces compressive strength. According to the results of the pull-off tests, only mortars containing slag meet the minimum value (1.5 MPa) required by EN1504-3. The types of failures observed for most composites show that they can be successfully applied with 20 mm thick layers.