A MATLAB simulation approach for sustainability assessment of date palm waste composites for thermal insulation

This study investigates the transformation of date palm waste into sustainable insulation composites; it aims to evaluate the thermal and environmental performance of four composite materials (C1–C4) utilized in the construction of common walls. Firstly, the raw materials were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), a composite was made from a mixture of date palm powder, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), wax, and unsaturated polyester resin (UPR), and its thermal analysis and density were measured. A numerical model, developed using MATLAB, was employed to evaluate the thermal performance of panels fabricated from this material. The outcomes revealed that composites C2 (for cement) and C4 (for clay) significantl y reduced heat flux, with optimal insulation at a thickness of 7 cm. Numerical simulations demonstrated that clay-C4 composites achieved the lowest heat flux (33.20 W/m²) and energy loss (988 kW/h), while cement-C2 provided the highest insulation efficiency (IPS = 1.60). Environmental calculations additionally identified clay-C4 as the most sustainable choice, demonstrating the lowest carbon footprint and peak recyclability. It has been concluded that the potential of palm-based composites, particularly C2 and C4, can be considered for use as building insulation while aligning with environmentally friendly construction practices.