Recent developments in composite reinforcement using date palm fibers for improved performance through physical and chemical modifications

Recently, there has been a growing interest in novel technologies dealing with environmental aspects that leads us to effective utilization of the available natural resources and better waste management strategies. The last few decades have witnessed the application of several natural fibers in composite industries ensuing relatively high strength polymer composites, which are promising eco-friendly alternative to man-made synthetic composites. Especially, Date Palm fibers (DPF) are of specific interest, as they possess desirable properties such as light weight and low density, superior mechanical strength and thermal conductivity, and are considered as very good substitutes for synthetic composites. There are several earlier research on DPF as fillers for polymer reinforcement. However, there is an insufficient comprehensive and comparative study of various DPF reinforced polymer composites, which will assist the scientists to expand their knowledge on the fabrication of surface modified DPF for effective polymer reinforcements. This review provides a summary of the surface microstructure, highly polar chemical nature of fiber, required surface modifications that will enhance the interfacial bonding of fiber to the polymer matrix and a critical in-depth analysis of the different types of DPF composites and their physico-mechanical and thermal properties.