Thermo-mechanical characterization of a bio-composite mortar reinforced with date palm fiber

Abstract

Due to respect for the environment and the search for more sustainable materials, scientists have started in recent decades to launch studies on bio-composite materials. It is well known that building materials are among the most commonly used materials and have an obvious negative impact on the environment. The development of environmentally friendly composites as insulating materials in buildings offers practical solutions to reduce energy consumption. Therefore, this work presents the use of a new bio-composite material composed of natural fibers, date palm fibers, cement, and sand. In addition, the study on the effect of adding date palm fibers on the thermo-mechanical characteristics of mortars assesses the thermal insulation properties as well as the water absorption and mechanical performance of this new bio-composite material to use it in the construction of buildings. The percentage by weight of date palm fiber in the test samples varied from 0% to 30% for a fiber size of length equal to 7 mm. The characteristics of these samples were determined experimentally in terms of resistance to bending and compression as well as thermal conductivity. The results show that while increasing the weight of date palm fiber, an obviously reduction in thermal conductivity, flexural, and compressive strength of the composite is observed. Hence, date palm fiber has a positive effect on the thermo-mechanical properties of the composite material. Therefore, it considerably improves the insulating capacity of the mortar.