Mechanical and chemical characterization of date by-products for environmental and industrial applications

Abstract

Abstract This study contributes to the growing body of research on agricultural palm waste valorization such as kernels, petioles, bunches and fibrillum for applications in activated carbon and high-strength composite materials. The raw materials were examined using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, elemental analysis and measurements of pH of the point zero charge. Palm petioles (PPs) contains 36 % of carbon can be an attractive precursor to prepare carbonaceous porous adsorbents. Fourier transform infrared revealed that date palm by-products contain several groups like phenolic groups, ketone and alcohol which play crucial role in adsorption. X-ray diffraction results confirm that palm by-products are amorphous. Mechanical tests demonstrated distinct properties, fibrillum fibers exhibited the highest ductility (ε = 0.89 ± 0.03%) and moderate tensile strength (83.40 ± 0.51 MPa), while cluster arm fibers showed the greatest tensile strength (125.63 ± 5.78 MPa) but limited strain (0.40 ± 0.01%). Petiole fibers displayed intermediate mechanical properties (σMax = 61.57 ± 0.32 MPa, ε = 0.73 ± 0.02%). The fibrillum's balanced properties (Young's modulus: 14.07 ± 2.27 GPa) highlight its potential for impact-resistant composites, whereas the cluster arm's rigidity (30.80 ± 2.80 GPa) suits load-bearing applications. Based on Archimedes' principle, this technique reduces geometric uncertainty compared to conventional methods. The use of palm wastes enhances the mechanical proprieties. This study highlights the potential of palm by-products as an efficient, eco-friendly, conventional reinforcement for sustainable rigid composites.