Fiber properties of several species of agavaceae from the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico

Abstract

Hard fibers are tissues obtained by decorticating leaves of various monocots, including sisal and abaca. These fibers have traditionally been used in cordage applications (rope, burlap, etc.), but they are also pulped and used in the paper industry for making specialty papers including currency, tea bags, and other products requiring high tensile strength. We examined fiber properties of several genera of Agavaceae from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico to determine their potential for paper making. Leaf samples of species ofAgave, Dasylirion, Hesperaloe, Nolina, and Yucca were macerated and fiber cell length, width, and wall thickness were measured. Several species ofHesperaloe andYucca have fibers that are as long or longer (>3 mm) and narrower (<20 µ) than those of sisal. Species ofAgave, Dasylirion, and,Nolina have shorter fibers (mostly 1.5 mm). Species ofHesperaloe andYucca would appear to be most suitable for paper making.