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Natural fibre–reinforced epoxy composites have been increasingly utilised in construction and building applications. These materials introduce cost-effective alternatives to conventional materials and their utilisation often has related to financial advantages that are immediate and can be expected over the structure service life. In this work, the results of thermal, dynamic-mechanical, and thermal-mechanical properties of date palm fibre (DPF)/bamboo fibre (BF) hybrid composite were compared to bamboo fibre-reinforced epoxy to demonstrate the importance of hybridization. The thermal stability was improved when DPF/BF fillers were added in epoxy resin comparatively to BF reinforced epoxy. The glass transition temperature (T g) was increased by incorporating the date palm fibre/bamboo hybrid composite in epoxy compared to the BF reinforced epoxy. The thermal expansion was enhanced by modifying the hybrid composites in epoxy in contrast to the single fibre composites, without hybridisation. Hence, the hybridisation technique of date palm fibre with bamboo has improved the thermal and thermal-mechanical properties suitable for several applications including non-structural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research NaOH treated date palm fibres were used as reinforcement in phenolic based composites. The composites were prepared by hot press technique and evaluated tensile flexural, structural, thermo gravimetric dynamic mechanical properties. Overall properties of modification/treatment of fibers' surface enhanced, that have been studied as compared to untreated samples. The treated samples of 50% DPF composites showed highest Tensile properties among all composites but flexural properties declined compared to the untreated composites but this decline is very less. Fibre treatment showed declined properties of three point bending of DPF composites. Scanning Electron Microscopy studied the behavior of fibre and matrix bonding before and after treatment. Treated 50% DPF showed better fibre distribution, 60% DPF showed void content however 40%DPF showed poor fibre/matrix interfacial bonding. Thermogravimetric analysis studied the behavior of Treated DPF/Phenolic composites at high temperature, and found thermal stability enhanced because good interfacial bonding. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that stability at stress of material with temperature and also studied the energy dissipation and internal friction. Treated 50%DPF showed better properties due to the ratio of mixing of fibre/matrix and better interfacial bonding. DPF composite have potential to use for exterior applications and false wall and roof. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]