Tensile Properties Optimization of Date Palm Leaflets Using Taguchi Method

Abstract

Lignocellulosic fibers from date palm are one of the most available biomasses without significant valorization in the world. This work makes use of an experimental Taguchi design with three factors to determine the optimal conditions of three parameters related to date palm leaflets (gauge length, loading speed and fiber position). The paper also shows an analysis of variance for identifying the parameters that provide a maximization of their tensile properties and obtaining a significant linear model for the manufacturing of natural fibers derived from those date palm components. The results show that the factor that most affects the tensile properties of those leaflets is the gauge length, followed by the fiber within the leaflets position. The best properties were obtained for the top part of the leaflets, 20 mm gauge length and 1 mm/min speed. Moisture tests for date palm leaflets have been also carried out; a drying period of 48 h led to a decrease in water content from 53% to 6%.

Keywords

• natural fibers
• tensile properties
• date palm leaflet fibers
• taguchi method
• water content
• experimental testing