Enhanced mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy composites reinforced with date palm seed particles

ABSTRACT This study aims to evaluate the potential of date palm seed (DPS) particles—an abundant agro-waste byproduct—as a sustainable filler for enhancing the performance of epoxy-based composites. Epoxy composites were fabricated with DPS loadings ranging from 10 to 50 vol%, and their mechanical (compressive strength, impact resistance, hardness), thermal (conductivity), and chemical (FTIR spectroscopy) properties were systematically investigated. The results demonstrated that a DPS content of 30 vol% yielded optimal mechanical performance, with compressive strength reaching approximately 64.5 MPa, alongside notable increases in hardness and impact resistance. Conversely, thermal conductivity decreased progressively with filler content, attaining a minimum of 0.136 W/m·°C at 50 vol% DPS. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of physical interactions—particularly hydrogen bonding—between the epoxy matrix and DPS particles, while spectra post-impact suggested structural stability with minimal chemical degradation. These findings indicate that DPS is a promising eco-friendly reinforcement for multifunctional epoxy composites, offering improved mechanical resilience and enhanced thermal insulation.