Energy absorption capability of date palm leaf fiber reinforced epoxy composites rectangular tubes

This paper introduces the date palm leaf fiber (DPLF) as a possible natural fiber candidate to the automotive applications. An extensive experimental program has been carried out to examine the energy absorption capability of rectangular tubes made of DPLF. The test rig has been designed to characterize different types of date palm leaf species. The species with the highest mechanical properties has been employed as a reinforcement to make the tested composite rectangular tubes. The wet wrapping manufacturing technique has been used to fabricate the composite structure. The fabricated tubes have been tested axially and laterally to examine the effect of loading directions into their crushing behavior and energy absorption capability. The crushed morphology, fracture surfaces, and sections through the specimen were studied by means of visual, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the axially tested tubes have higher energy-absorption capability compared to the laterally crushed tubes.