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<p>In response to the depletion of fossil resources and growing environmental concerns, this study focuses on the development of fully biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) composites reinforced with treated date palm fibers (DPF), a locally abundant agricultural by-product in southern Tunisia. Particular attention is given to the synergistic effects of enzymatic (pectinase, xylanase, and a combination of the two) and alkaline (NaOH) treatments on the physicochemical properties of the fibers and their adhesion to the PLA matrix. Compared to conventional alkaline treatment, the coupled NaOH-enzymatic treatment resulted in a higher cellulose content and improved thermal stability of the fibers. The influence of fiber diameter (100–700&#xa0;μm) and fiber content (5, 10, 20, 25 vol%) on the tensile performance of the composites was also examined. Composite specimens were prepared by twin-screw extrusion and then compression-molded. At 10 vol% fiber content, NaOH-treated fibers resulted in a 33% reduction in tensile strength, while stiffness increased by 25%. In contrast, enzymatic treatments significantly improved the mechanical performance compared to virgin PLA. In particular, composites reinforced with pectinase-treated fibers maintained the tensile strength of pure PLA while increasing the modulus by 77%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations of the fiber surfaces and composite fracture morphologies were conducted to assess the quality of interfacial bonding between the PLA matrix and the DPF. This study demonstrates that enzymatic treatments, particularly those involving pectinase, offer an effective and environmentally friendly approach to enhancing the performance of PLA/DPF composites.</p>

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Development and characterization of PLA biocomposites reinforced with date palm fibers: influence of enzymatic treatment, fiber content, and diameter on mechanical performance

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月9日

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  • Ismail Dhaou,
  • Ali Gargouri,
  • Ridha Mnif

摘要

In response to the depletion of fossil resources and growing environmental concerns, this study focuses on the development of fully biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) composites reinforced with treated date palm fibers (DPF), a locally abundant agricultural by-product in southern Tunisia. Particular attention is given to the synergistic effects of enzymatic (pectinase, xylanase, and a combination of the two) and alkaline (NaOH) treatments on the physicochemical properties of the fibers and their adhesion to the PLA matrix. Compared to conventional alkaline treatment, the coupled NaOH-enzymatic treatment resulted in a higher cellulose content and improved thermal stability of the fibers. The influence of fiber diameter (100–700 μm) and fiber content (5, 10, 20, 25 vol%) on the tensile performance of the composites was also examined. Composite specimens were prepared by twin-screw extrusion and then compression-molded. At 10 vol% fiber content, NaOH-treated fibers resulted in a 33% reduction in tensile strength, while stiffness increased by 25%. In contrast, enzymatic treatments significantly improved the mechanical performance compared to virgin PLA. In particular, composites reinforced with pectinase-treated fibers maintained the tensile strength of pure PLA while increasing the modulus by 77%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations of the fiber surfaces and composite fracture morphologies were conducted to assess the quality of interfacial bonding between the PLA matrix and the DPF. This study demonstrates that enzymatic treatments, particularly those involving pectinase, offer an effective and environmentally friendly approach to enhancing the performance of PLA/DPF composites.