Abstract Date palm ( Phoenix dactylifera L. ) is extensively cultivated worldwide, with the harvested area reaching approximately 1.3 million hectares in 2023. The annual pruning process generates a significant quantity of lignocellulosic byproducts, of which the date palm petiole (DPP) constitutes about 25.8 wt%. Despite its abundance, DPP remains underutilized in low-value applications. This study highlights recent advances in the comprehensive characterization of DPP, focusing on its macro- and microstructure, chemical composition, mechanical behavior, and thermal properties. DPP exhibits several advantages, including low density (149–211 kg/m³), high porosity (81.52%), and thermal stability. These features make it a promising candidate for a range of industrial applications, either in its bulk form (wood form) or as extracted fibers. DPP fibers exhibit adequate tensile strength (90–287 MPa) and high thermal stability, and the ease of fiber extraction further supports their suitability for use in polymer matrix composites. Moreover, the material’s intrinsic porosity contributes to its low thermal conductivity, which can reach as low as 0.067 W/m·K, making it ideal for thermal and acoustic insulation panels. Its appreciable heating value also highlights its potential in bioenergy production. However, challenges such as high moisture absorption and regional variations in properties must be addressed for practical implementation. This study identifies existing knowledge gaps and outlines future research directions to enhance the performance and commercialization prospects of DPP-based products.
Moneim et al. (Fri,) studied this question.