Potential of Agave angustifolia marginata for composite and textile applications – A new source of natural fibre

Abstract

This study explored the properties of Agave angustifolia marginata leaves derived lignocellulose fibres, including their strength, flexibility, and durability, as well as their potential applications in composite and textile manufacturing. Commercial natural fibre standards used for quality assessment of the extracted fibre. According to National Standard 08–1113–1989, the fibre length was measured to be 60–90 cm. According to IS 271 (2003), bundle strength, colour, fineness, and bulk density were 20.46 g tex −1, 47.8%, 2.28 tex, and 0.413 g cc −1, respectively, and the textile grade was estimated. Results indicated that these are viable alternatives to a few textile fibres and can be easily blended with W-3 to W-6 jute fibres. On the other hand, for better interfacial strength of composite, a simple chemical treatment was performed on the fibres (2% NaOH solution for 4 h). A liquid digital density metre showed 980.4 kg m−3 and 1385 kg m−3 densities for raw and alkali-treated fibres according ASTM D792–20, respectively. ASTM D3379–75 tensile testing of fibres showcased superior Alkali-treated fibre characteristics. The Sieko TG/DTA instrument thermograms' revealed the thermal stability of raw fibre (240° C) and alkali-treated fibre (275° C). For a better understanding of the results, morphological investigations were also carried out. Alkali-treated fibres performed better than raw fibres, suggesting they could be employed as ecologically friendly reinforcement in polymeric composites.