Performance analysis of dates and acacia hybrid filler reinforced natural polymer composite

In recent years, the shift toward renewable materials has been driven by the environmental and economic implications of synthetic alternatives. Bio-filler reinforced polymer composites, particularly our Date seed and Acacia filler reinforced vinyl ester (DSF/AF-VE), provide multifaceted advantages like ecological sustainability, cost-effectiveness, biocompatibility, reduced carbon footprint, and enhanced processability for diverse applications, including automotive components, biodegradable packaging, and lightweight construction materials. This study explores using Date seed and Acacia fillers, known for their sustainability, recyclability, and bio-degradability, in polymer composites. By incorporating these fillers with vinyl ester, we aimed to enhance properties like mechanical strength, thermal stability, and wear resistance. A standard compression molding process was chosen for this experiment due to its proven effectiveness in achieving uniform filler distribution, reproducibility of composite properties, and its suitability for large-scale industrial applications. DSF/AF-VE composites were produced with filler loadings ranging from 10% to 40%, maintaining a 50% filler/filler ratio. Our findings indicate that an optimal filler proportion significantly enhances the structural properties of the composite. A filler concentration of 15w% yielded the best tensile and flexural strength, while 20w% was optimal for impact strength. The DSF/AF-VE hybrid filler showed considerable improvements in tensile, flexural, and impact strength compared to the clear matrix, with increases of 1.53 times, 1.48 times, and 1.93 times, respectively. This study underscores the potential of Date seed and Acacia fillers in enhancing the mechanical properties of natural polymer composites, suggesting their suitability for low-load applications, such as switchboards, panels, wheel arches, and air spoilers.