Evaluation of Saving Energy by Using the Power of Plant Composites as a Thermal Insulation; A case study: Effect of a Local Date Palm Fibers

Abstract This research focuses on assessing the potential use of the power of local palm fiber (Zahedi) as an eco-friendly composite in order to help the sustainable development. Local date palm fibers are separated into individual fibers and washed in water and then heated in an oven at 60 ° C to dry completely in order to investigation of physical properties. The developed composites were characterized in different ratio and compared in terms of physical and morphological properties. Afterwards, the analysis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dispersive energy spectroscopy (EDS) from date palm fibers of Zahedi was carried out to determine the chemical and microstructure composition of the fibers. It was found that carbon and oxygen, are the only compatible and primary compounds in this palm fiber. Analyzing in the longitudinal direction of the fibers, it can be mentioned that the surface of the samples in nanoscale is irregular with many impurities, cells and pores. Also, the Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis of the fiber diameter shows the average range of the diameter is 107–135 µm. Plant-based composites were characterized in seven ratios by combining the date palm fibers with industrial cornstarch as a matrix which creates the insulator composite totally natural. The amount of thickness swelling and water absorption observed in this study was approved and appropriate for a volume ratio of 1:1 in comparison with other studied compounds. The thermal resistance of the three specimens tested by experiment. To evaluate the insulation capability, the specimens were placed at a chamber in a position to act as an obstacle to the thermal transmission. In this case, by increasing the temperature up to 80°c on one side (inside the chamber) and recording the temperature rise on the opposite side, the thermal insulation ability of the specimens was assessed. According to the results of the practical experiments, combining date palm fiber (DPF) with cornstarch resin as a matrix illustrated that the composite material is applicable, safe and useful as a thermal insulation material at a maximum of 80 °c which is appropriate for preventing heat transfer in buildings.