Evaluating the Engineering Characteristics of Date Palm Pollen Grains Carrier Materials

This study evaluates the engineering properties of various carriers for date palm pollen grains, including ‎Wheat Flour (WF), Wheat Bran (WB), Banana Peels (BP), Male Spathe Flowers (MSF), and ‎Female ‎Bunch Strands (FBS)‎. The focus is on bulk density, repose angle, dynamic coefficient of friction, and ‎terminal velocity. Bulk density ranged from 0.321 to 0.831 g cm⁻³, with date palm pollen grain (DPP) ‎showing the highest value, suggesting efficient storage but potential flowability issues. Repose angles ‎varied from 24 to 47 degrees; DPP and DPP+FBS (Female bunch strands) had the lowest angles, ‎favoring smooth flow during pollination, while wheat flour (WF) had the highest, indicating resistance ‎and clumping. Friction analysis across different surfaces (acrylic, PVC, aluminum, and stainless steel) ‎highlighted material-surface interactions. Terminal velocity results showed DPP with a balanced value ‎of 0.96 m s⁻¹, while mixtures like DPP+FBS and DPP+BP (banana peels) had low to moderate ‎velocities (0.6 m s⁻¹ and 1.02 m s⁻¹), enhancing dispersion. DPP and its mixtures, especially DPP+FBS, ‎exhibited favorable pollination properties with good flowability and moderate friction, promoting ‎efficient distribution. In contrast, higher friction materials like FBS could hinder application. The study ‎emphasizes the need to select carriers with optimal density, repose angle, and friction to improve ‎pollination efficiency, supporting better agricultural outcomes. Mixtures DPP+FBS and DPP+MSF ‎emerged as the best option, balancing physical, mechanical and aerodynamic characteristics for effective ‎pollination.‎