Starch-modified date palm leaf fibers for eco-friendly epoxy biocomposites: microstructural, structural, and thermal characterization (opens in new tab)

Growing environmental concerns are driving the search for sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials. This study investigates the effect of a chemical-free, starch-based treatment on date palm leaf fibers (DPFs) for use in fully biodegradable epoxy biocomposites. The treatment consists of mechanical cleaning, water washing, and immersion in an aqueous starch solution, with no chemical reagents. SEM and AFM analyses confirm effective removal of surface waxes, lignin, and hemicellulose, al...