https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-70428-4_33
In recent years, natural fiber-reinforced composites have gained increasing attention because of their low cost, low density, biodegradability, and availability. The Doum palm tree belongs to the family of monocotyledons; it is an abundant tree in Tunisia. Fiber can be found in different parts of the palm tree, making them a potential reinforcement agent for polymer matrix. This study’s goal was to identify the ideal manufacturing conditions for biocomposite materials to achieve the highest mechanical performance. A tensile and bending test was conducted on composite, followed by calculation of the results. The method applied was the factorial experimental design using “Minitab 19” software package. The results showed that among the two factors used, fiber content had the most significant contribution, followed by alkaline treatment. Using the desirability index method, the optimized composite consists of 85% PP and 15% of Doum Palm fiber, and has an index of 0.776. A surface analysis of the optimized material using a scanning electron microscope is also performed.
