Physico-mechanical and thermal properties of date palm fiber/phenolic resin composites

In this research, the use of date palm tree trunk fiber as a reinforcement of phenolic resin has been studied. Laminated composite sheets were prepared by compression molding of the pre-impregnated fibers with phenolic resin (novolac-type). The prepared samples were tested for mechanical properties, water absorption, flammability, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The results showed that the flexural strength and modulus of the composite samples were 73.25 MPa and 5.9 GPa, respectively. Also the tensile strength and modulus were obtained 30.25 MPa and 3 GPa, respectively. The effect of surface treatment of the fiber with NaOH solution (6%, w/w) on the mechanical properties of the composites was investigated, too. An increase of 19%, 14%, and 140% in flexural, tensile and impact strengths and 6% and 16% in flexural and tensile modulus was observed, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the fractured surface confirm the improvement of the surface wettability of the treated fibers. Surface treatment had no significant effect on the physical and thermal properties of the composites, while water uptake of the samples was increased. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3657-3665, 2019. (c) 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers