Processing and properties of date palm fibers and its composites

Abstract

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) fibers are considered as one of the most available natural fiber types worldwide. Large quantities of date palm biomass wastes are annually accumulated without proper utilization. These quantities are of potential interest to support the industrial sustainability by producing alternative cheap eco-friendly materials. The competitiveness of the date palm fibers in several applications particularly in automotive industrial sectors was illustrated. Date palm fiber can be considered the best regarding several evaluation criteria like specific strength to cost ratio if compared to other fiber types. The effects of using date palm fibers in natural fiber composites with different polymer matrices were demonstrated. Criteria that can affect the proper selection and evaluation of the natural fibers as well as the composites for particular applications were discussed. The benefit of natural fibers' modifications on physical, mechanical, and other properties were also explored. Selecting the proper date palm fiber reinforcement condition can dramatically enhance its future expectations and widen its usage in different applications.