Mechanical Behavior and High Formability of Palm Leaf Materials

The proliferation of single-use plastics has stimulated interest in sustainable material substitutes with sufficient ductility and structural integrity. Herein, the mechanical behavior high formability leaf sheath from a representative palm species—Areca catechu—and its immense potential for manufacturing eco-friendly food packaging are reported on. Using microstructural analyses, such as X-ray micro-computed tomography (?CT), electron microscopy, optical profilometry, under different loading conditions, it is shown that this can accommodate forming strains large 200%, similar to ductile metals. deformation response highly sensitive hydration, up 400% increase strain. embodied energy products four five orders smaller than plastic or paper products. results establish microstructure basis contours limit diagram delineates product shapes be formed single step plant material.