SISAL

About: SISAL is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 1878 publications have been published within this topic receiving 55528 citations.

Flume Tow Recovery and Sisal by-Products

Abstract: (1949). Flume Tow Recovery and Sisal by-Products. The East African Agricultural Journal: Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 12-14.

Trial of herbicide control methods for sisal (Agave sisalana) in the arid island environment of Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles

Abstract: SUMMARY Sisal Agave sisalana is an invasive alien plant species of concern at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles. Physical control efforts since the 1970s to remove sisal from Aldabra have only been partially successful because the roots cannot be completely removed, resulting in continuous control efforts. We conducted a seven month herbicide trial, using different herbicide concentrations with two application methods, to determine the most effective and feasible control method for sisal. We also checked effects on surrounding native plants. The highest treatment mortality was from 50% herbicide concentration applied directly to the cut growth tip, which resulted in 80% sisal mortality after four months. Fewer treated plants died at lower herbicide concentrations and more small plants died than large plants. No sisal plant died that was foliar sprayed, only cut, or in the control group. There were no visible negative effects of any treatment on the surrounding native flora. The results indicate that chemical control of sisal is effective at high herbicide concentration applied directly to the cut growth tip. A full-scale eradication of sisal from Aldabra has been started based on the trial results.

Physicochemical Characterizations of Hydrolytic Degradation of Prickly Pear Seed/Polyhydroxy(Butyrate‐co‐Valerate) Biocomposite

Abstract: The present work aims at investigating the impact of hydrolytic degradation type, employing physicochemical characterizations of poly-hydroxy (butyrate-co-valerate) PHBV and its biocomposites reinforced by prickly pear seed fiber (PPS), in aqueous environments to compare between seawater and distilled water. The weight loss profiles are obtained for the biocomposite immersed in seawater and distilled water of 23% and 21% respectively, however, 15% and 7% degradation for pure PHBV in seawater and distilled water, respectively. These results are explained by the addition of natural fillers to the biopolymer, which accelerates the degradation process, as well as, by the presence of microbial activity in seawater. These results are also confirmed by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis (FTIR), by the decrease of the ester groups, which decompose into a carboxylic acid.

Effect of Alkali Treatment to Improve Fiber-Matrix Bonding and Mechanical Behavior of Sisal Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites

Abstract: The current use of dispersed fibers in cementitious matrices is focused on the enhancement in structural performance and mitigation of the effects of shrinkage, which results in microcracks in the cementitious matrix. Natural fibers appear as a low cost and eco-friendly alternative. However, these fibers are degradable in alkaline environments, resulting in changes in the mechanical performance of the composite. These fibers are also susceptible to volume variation with moisture presence, which results in interface degradation. Therefore, the main goal of this work is to evaluate the effect of alkali treatment in order to overcome these limitations and successfully utilize these materials in several applications. For this purpose, sisal fibers with 50 mm length were subjected to 1, 5 and 10 wt.% alkali solutions for chemical modification. The effect of the treatment was evaluated by pullout tests on untreated and treated fibers on a free calcium hydroxide matrix. Additionally, the mechanical performance of fiber reinforced concrete was analyzed through three-point bending tests. Treated fibers presented a brittle behavior in the pullout test. The alkali treatment did not contribute to an increase in the flexural performance of the composite. Similar values of residual strength in the post-cracking region were reached for untreated and treated fiber reinforced cementitious composites.