Plaster Composites Reinforcement With Mats Leaf Sheath of the Date Palm and Waste Paper

<jats:p>This study presents a novel eco-friendly composite material made of plaster reinforced with unidirectional date palm leaf sheath mats and waste paper. The fibers were chemically treated with 3% NaOH for 4 h to improve moisture resistance and tensile strength. The influence of single (SL), double (DL) and triple-layer (TL) fiber mats combined with 5% waste paper on flexural strength, density, porosity, ultrasound velocity, and thermal properties was investigated to reduce building energy consumption. Results showed that triple-layer reinforcement significantly decreased thermal conductivity and enhanced flexural strength compared with neat plaster. Composites containing three fiber layers and 5% waste paper also exhibited low density, making them lightweight materials. Ultrasound velocity decreased due to higher void content in the reinforced structure. The findings demonstrate the potential of locally sourced date palm fibers and waste paper as sustainable reinforcement materials for lightweight and energy-efficient construction applications.</jats:p>