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Exploring the potential of waste leaf sheath date palm fibres for composite reinforcement through a structural and mechanical analysis

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

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Type

Article

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Authors

Bourmaud, A 
Dhakal, H 
Habrant, A 
Padovani, J 
Siniscalco, D 

Abstract

© 2017 This work proposes a multi-scale study of the properties of leaf sheath date palm fibres currently considered as agricultural waste. Firstly, by using optical and electronic microscopy, two main types of bundles were identified which have profoundly different structures. Biochemical analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed a low degree of crystallinity but a significant lignin content of about 17% giving the bundles a very cohesive structure as well as a good thermal stability in addition to a singular behaviour in dynamic vapour sorption. An average cell wall stiffness in the order of 16 GPa was highlighted by Atomic Force Microscopy in mechanical mode but tensile tests on bundles have revealed low stiffness and strength but a high elongation. These results combined with the cellular structure of these bundles, provides the potential of these wastes as cost effective and environmentally friendly composite reinforcements for high energy absorption and improved acoustics functions.

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Keywords

Natural fibres, Chemical analysis, Microstructural analysis, Mechanical properties

Journal Title

Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1359-835X
1878-5840

Volume Title

103

Publisher

Elsevier BV
Sponsorship
Leverhulme Trust (RP2013-SL-008)