| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2025 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Natural Fibers and Biocomposites: A Sustainable Solution
|
| Presentation Title |
Tagua, the Vegetable Ivory: and Inexpensive and Sustainable Material |
| Author(s) |
Henry A. Colorado, George Youssef, Marc Meyers |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Henry A. Colorado |
| Abstract Scope |
Illegal ivory trade has been catastrophic for the preservation of elephants and other large mammals, particularly in Africa. While law enforcement continues to pursue these criminal networks, a natural alternative offers hope: the Tagua seed, from a palm tree native to the tropical regions of South America. Also known as vegetable ivory, Tagua is a very hard material and easy to cultivate. This research presents a comprehensive analysis of the mechanical and material properties of Tagua seeds. Tests conducted include tensile and compression tests, dynamic tests, nanoindentation, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and microscopy characterization. The results indicate that Tagua can be used not only as a high-strength material but also a promising material for applications such as impact and dynamic conditions. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Biomaterials, Composites, Characterization |