Thermophysical-Mechanical Characterization of Date Palm Trunk Bark Powder Composites for Sustainable Insulation Applications: Bibliometric Analysis and Experimental Evaluation in Support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Mini Jose Anand (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia)
Roslina Mohammad (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia)
Abdelgadir Mohamed Mahmoud (Bahrain Polytechnic)
Ahmed Abdelrhman (Bahrain Polytechnic)

ASEAN Journal for Science and Engineering in Materials
Vol 5, No 3 (2026): AJSEM: Volume 5, Issue 3, December 2026

Agricultural waste can provide sustainable alternatives to building insulation while supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study combines bibliometric analysis with experimental evaluation to investigate epoxy-bonded date palm trunk bark powder composites for insulation applications. Bibliometric data were used to identify trends and position the study within agricultural-waste-based insulation research. Composite panels with different filler loadings were fabricated and assessed through density, thermal conductivity, heat flux, water uptake, compressive strength, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed a non-linear performance trend because porosity, particle packing, matrix continuity, and interfacial structure governed heat transfer and mechanical response. The optimum formulation achieved a combination of insulation efficiency, structural adequacy, and moisture resistance, demonstrating the potential of date palm waste for sustainable building applications.