Influence of the procedure of obtaining agave fibers on morphological and mechanical properties

Abstract

The procedure of producing, i.e. separating agave fibers, and the influence on morphological and mechanical properties were investigated. The characterisation of the domestic agave was undertaken by use of physical-mechanical and chemical methods, for which it was found out that it is a usual American agave (Lal. Agave americana Linne). Based on the suggestions of the tips of a Benedictine from Hvar, agave fibers were separated using a more than a hundred year-old procedure by hand from leaves. In addition, agave fibers were soaked in an artificial sea water solution and were cooked in a soap solution, so that one could separate them more easily by hand. The change of tensile strength and elongation in dry (conditioned) and wet condition, fineness and morphological properties of agave fibers were tested.