Mechanical properties and applications of a fiber reinforced biofoam from Amazonian palm leaves

Miriti, derived from the leaves of the Amazon palm tree Mauritia flexuosa, is a foam-like material that can serve as a natural substitute for synthetic foams, offering the advantage of natural internal fiber reinforcement. This study assessed miriti’s mechanical properties and potential applications. With an average specific mass of 63 kg.m–3, miriti is amongst the lightest natural solid materials. Its internal fiber reinforcement provides mechanical properties seven to 30 times higher than synthetic foams of similar density in the parallel-to-grain direction. Miriti is a green material and shows high potential for use in sandwich panel cores, thermal/acoustic applications requiring higher strength and stiffness, and load-bearing walls of small structures. Sustainable management of M. flexuosa by local communities is feasible, promoting their sustainable development. Additionally, miriti can inspire the design of synthetic foams reinforced with internal fibers.