Advanced Optimization of Alkalinization Processes for Date Palm Fibers Using Response Surface Methodology with Taguchi Design (L16)

This study focuses on improving the mechanical properties of Date Palm Fiber (DPF) by modeling and optimizing these properties through Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). A Taguchi experimental design (L16) was employed to optimize the key parameters, including NaOH concentration (ranging from 0.5% to 3%), treatment duration (spanning 12–96 hours in 24-hour intervals), and fiber diameter (between 350 and 650 µm). Tensile tests were conducted to pinpoint the parameters that significantly enhance performance. The results reveal that alkalization has a substantial effect on DPF’s strength, deformation, and Young’s modulus. The empirical data demonstrates high model accuracy, with an R2 value of 94.64%. The ε (%) model shows an R2 of 93.49%, while the σ (MPa) model achieves an R2 of 90.63%. The concentration of NaOH plays a crucial role, contributing 19% to strain ε (%), 16.11% to stress σ, and 17.42% to Young’s modulus E. These findings suggest that DPF, after alkalization, becomes highly suitable for various industrial applications. Treatment time has a relatively minor influence (4.66% to 4.07%), and fiber diameter has a negligible effect.