Characterization of biobased plasticizer extracted from palm fruit waste: A novel approach for properties enhancement in cementitious composites

The present increase in sustainability issues is resulting in an increase in the popularity of biodegradable plasticizers. This study introduces a bio-plasticizer extracted from palm fruit leftovers that has been developed to enhance the mechanical properties of cement-based composites. Its dual function as a bio-filler and a plasticizer provides a novel, sustainable approach to implementing resource-efficient and eco-friendly construction practices. A green chemical protocol that involved demineralization, alkalization, and surface catalysis was used to effectively extract a novel bioplasticizer from palm fruit waste, an abundant agro-residue, in this study. The extracted biopolymer exhibited a distinctive set of characteristics, such as a low glass transition temperature (62.27 °C), thermal stability up to 370 °C, a low density (0.94 g/cm³), and a low crystallinity index (20.2%). These properties are instrumental in the biopolymer’s exceptional flexibility, molecular mobility, and compatibility with composite matrices. Analysis of functional groups identified olefinic alkenes, hydroxyl, epoxide, and siloxane moieties, which promote hydrogen bonding, increase polarity, and improve dispersion in hydrophilic systems. This bio-based plasticizer was integrated into M30-grade cement concrete at varied doses up to 10%, exhibiting the best performance at 6% loading, resulting in a 2.2% enhancement in slump flow and a 6.53% increase in compressive strength relative to the control mix. The highlighted benefits are ascribed to the plasticizer’s capacity to diminish water requirements, facilitate internal lubrication, and engage with cement hydration products at the molecular scale. In addition to enhancing mechanical performance, applying this palm fruit-derived additive provides a solution by transforming trash into high-value construction materials.