Employing a novel carbon fiber/epoxy and date seed powder composition to improve the tribological and mechanical properties

Abstract

Natural fibers and additives are essential reinforcing elements in polymeric composites due to their numerous advantages, including low cost, ease of manufacture, reduced weight, and environmental sustainability, and they are widely utilized in diverse industrial applications. This research hypothesizes the mechanical and tribological properties of polymer composites incorporating date seed powder (DSP) as a natural filler ingredient. DSP is proposed and incorporated into carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composite with the hand lay-up and vacuum technique. The DSP-reinforced material is produced in weight ratios of (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). The fabricated composite specimens’ morphological, mechanical, and tribological properties are examined using FTIR, XRD, SEM, a universal tensile machine, bending test, and tribological and wear testing instruments. The results indicate significant enhancements in the mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) using 15% DSP. Tensile and bending strength increased by 28% and 23%, respectively, compared to the reference sample 0% DSP. The 10% DSP displayed the lowest stable coefficient of friction (COF) at around 0.10–0.13; however, a composite enhanced with DSP filler showed minor plastic deformation and surface delamination. In addition, a 10% strengthening of DSP diminished wear lines and fractures, yielding a smooth surface with negligible microcracks. Carbon fiber composites utilize DSP it increases stiffness, bonding, and load transfer while lowering stress and improving wear resistance. The optimum amount of DSP improves mechanical and frictional qualities, making it a sustainable reinforcement. This work demonstrates DSP-reinforced carbon fiber composites are a viable alternative due to their enhanced mechanical and tribological properties.