On the characterization of bio-composite material based on petiole date palm waste for thermal insulation applications

Abstract This study focuses on transforming abandoned wood waste into an innovative bio-sourced composite material utilizing date palm waste, specifically using date palm petiole fibers (pt) as reinforcement and polyvinyl acetate glue (PVA) as the matrix. A range of combinations of these materials was analyzed to evaluate their physical, mechanical, and thermal properties, employing both hand paving and molding processes in the creation of the different composites. Comprehensive experimental tests were conducted to ensure that these composites not only provided excellent thermal insulation but also maintained robust mechanical properties. The results indicated that petioles are particularly well-suited for producing effective insulating materials compared to other parts of the date palm. Notably, the developed composite labeled Pt17 emerged as a standout due to its superior physical, thermal, and mechanical properties. This composite material exhibited remarkably low thermal conductivity, ranging from 0.11 to 0.12 W (m·k) −1 , and low thermal diffusivity, between 0.109 and 0.096 mm 2 s −1 , making it an excellent candidate for thermal insulation applications. Additionally, the Pt17 composite demonstrated ductile fracture behavior, with a flexural modulus (Ef) of 429.30 MPa and a bending strength ( σ ) of 2.01 MPa. Its low density value (0.3002 g cm −3 ) further underscores its suitability for use in the building industry, particularly in applications requiring lightweight and efficient thermal insulation materials.