Thermochemical and Tensile Mechanical Properties of Fibers Mechanically Extracted from Leaves of Agave angustifolia Haw

The leaves of Agave angustifolia Haw are waste of the mezcal industry in Mexico, but also a source of lignocellulosic fibers. This study investigates the thermochemical and tensile properties of fibers mechanically extracted from agave leaves. Cellulose (61.8%) is the main component. Tensile strength and strain at failure decreased with the increase of gauge length, while opposite situation is observed with the Young's modulus. An inverse relationship between tensile strength and fiber diameter was found. The fibers are thermo-stable until 260 degrees C, probably due to their crystallinity and lignin content. The scanning electron micrographs show that fibers have a heterogeneous structure integrated by microfibers which are in turn composed by helical and jacketed tissue by an even film, both are responsible for conferring elasticity and strength to the fiber; however, the damage along their length and cross-sectional area may have a negative influence on their tensile properties.