Excessive exploitation of petroleum-based plastics and synthetic fibers is harming the environment. This study isolated nano-fibrillated cellulose (NFC) from plant fiber (Agave americana). The as-extracted Agave fibers were chemically treated (alkali, bleaching, and acid hydrolysis coupled with ultrasonication). Functional and structural analysis were performed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The surface morphological changes and thermal decomposition behavior were studied by scanning electron microscopy and by thermogravimetry and derivative thermogravimetry, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared peaks confirmed the absence of lignin and hemicellulose in the NFC samples. X-ray diffraction data revealed that the crystallinity index increased from 50.1% to 64.1% from the raw fiber to the NFC. Thermogravimetry and derivative thermogravimetry showed that the stability increased notably from the raw fiber to the NFC stage. The average particle size was 18.2 nm ± 10.14 nm in the NFC sample, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy.

https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/BioRes_15_2_2442_Krishnadev_SJGL_Synth_Charact_Nanofibrillated_Cellulose_Agave_Fiber_16731.pdf

Synthesis and Characterization of Nano-fibrillated Cellulose Derived from Green Agave americana L. Fiber

Natural fibers have emerged as an important component in the development of composite materials because of their mechanical properties. The properties are highly influenced by environmental conditi...

An investigation of the effects of extraction and brushing variables on the properties of hedge sisal fibers using a raspador

With current renewed interest in natural fibers, traditional suppliers of sisal such as those in Tanzania are
looking to reestablish high production levels despite the shortage of field workers for laborious and hazardous harvest
operations. Cutting force and energy determinations made with Agave sisalana leaves indicated that these parameters
were well within the capabilities of workers even at a work rate twice that of current levels. Measurements of leaf bending
resistance, friction coefficients, and mass distribution were made to assist designers of equipment to handle sisal leaves.
Physical simulations of cutting operations with worker aids aimed at obviating the stooping currently required of harvest
workers, indicated that only tools powered by some external energy source could match or exceed the current traditional
work rate of one leaf per 2.9 s. Among the design concepts formulated for in-field leaf handling, collection and transport
devices, there was an indication that an inverted umbrella type leaf catcher may have economic potential. Because the
cutting operation is complex and selective, it was concluded that the most immediate potential for sisal harvest
mechanization would involve manually operated cutting mechanisms using worker aids, combined with mechanized infield
collection, handling and transport of leaves.

The potential for mechanical harvest of sisal

The mechanical properties of sisal leaf (A.sisalana) relevant to leaf harvesting and fibre extraction were determined. Measurements of leaf bending resistance, friction coefficients and mass distribution were made to get information for designing of leaf handling equipment. The leaf crosssectional area at 7 cm from butt-end was 11.65 cm. Fibre content of leave varied from 3.0 – 4.0 % of fresh green leaf weight. The mean fibre bundle strength was 32.31 g/tex and fibre fineness was 4.92. The coefficient of friction of sisal leaf was lowest on mild steel surface for tilting panel test (0.054) as well as for horizontal test surface (0.464).

R. C. Dash

Papers

Mechanical properties of sisal (A. sisalana) relevant to harvesting and fibre extraction.