Fique Fibers Research Articles

Selection of a biocomposite material as an alternative for the manufacture of the rotor of a gravitational vortex turbine

In this research study, a polymeric matrix biocomposite reinforced with natural fibers was evaluated as an alternative for the manufacture of impeller blades for a gravitational vortex turbine. Laminates were manufactured using the manual impregnation method, combining unsaturated polyester resin with three layers of fique fiber. Density tests were conducted along with the mechanical properties of the biocomposite, and they were compared with conventional materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, and fiberglass, commonly used in the construction of impellers. As a result of the tests, it was determined that bio composites present advantages such as: low cost, environmental sustainability and lower density compared to traditional materials. Finally, a prototype rotor for a gravitational vortex turbine was manufactured with the material proposed in the present study. In conclusion, the findings suggest that the developed biocomposite has the potential as an alternative to replace conventional materials in the manufacture of hydraulic rotors.

Uniaxial fatigue study of a natural-based bio-composite material reinforced with fique natural fibers

This research addresses environmental concerns by exploring environmentally friendly composite materials as substitutes for non-biodegradable synthetic fibers. The study proposes the development of polymer matrix composites reinforced with natural fique fibers, sourced from a plant cultivated in Colombia. A BioPoxy 36 polymer matrix with a high carbon content was used and reinforced with fique fabric using the vacuum-assisted lamination method. To improve the adhesion between the fibers and the matrix, an alkaline chemical treatment was applied to the fiber using 2% sodium hydroxide by weight. Mechanical properties were assessed through ASTM D3039 tensile and ASTM D3479 fatigue tests. A fractographic analysis was also conducted to identify the different modes of failure present. In terms of material degradation, distinct stages were observed, characterized by stiffness loss and loss factor indicators. The Coffin-Manson model was used to obtain the strain life curve for R = 0.1, using these factors as criteria. The static properties of the composite reinforced with fique fibers indicate an increase of 45% in ultimate strength, 145% in strain, and 27% in Young's modulus compared to the unreinforced matrix. In terms of dynamic properties, the elastic modulus showed a maximum variation of up to 7.88%. Electron microscopy reveals the failure mechanism, a distinct separation between the matrix and the fiber can be observed as a result of mechanical stress. The analysis reveals the brittle fracture of the hard fique fiber and some matrix separation, as well as possible fractured bubbles that may have occurred during the manufacturing process.

Antibacterial fibers impregnated with mycosynthetized AgNPs for control of Pectobacterium carotovorum

Using biopolymers functionalized with antibacterial agents to manufacture active packaging is a clean alternative to mitigate food losses due to postharvest plant diseases. In this study, two mycosynthetized AgNPs impregnation methodologies on cotton (cationization and in situ biochemical reduction) were used to obtain the antibacterial fibers (A-AgNPs-C and A-AgNPs-IBR), which, in addition to being characterized by SEM-EDX, XRD, were evaluated as antibacterial materials. The cotton fibers showed growth inhibition of Pectobacterium carotovorum at 48 h. The reuse tests of these cotton fibers showed that the two types of fibers could have up to three successive uses without losing their effectiveness, regardless of the impregnation method used. Is important to highlight that the retention tests indicated that the AgNPs remain attached to the A-AgNPs-C and A-AgNPs-IBR fibers after several successive washes. Finally, the mycosynthesized AgNPs were also impregnated on fique fibers (Fique-AgNPs) by cationization to obtain little antibacterial sacks. Nanostructured materials that in in vivo tests on potatoes showed only 7.8 % of affectation, while the tubers stored in the traditional sacks had an affectation of 25 %. This immobilization of AgNPs in natural fibers will allow the development of a nanobiotechnological application in the storage and transport of potatoes, after performing some additional cytotoxicity tests to guarantee its safety.

UV Radiation Effect in New Materials Developed for the Construction of Beehives.

In recent decades, there has been an increasing focus on the alarming decline in global bee populations, given their critical ecological contributions to natural pollination and biodiversity. This decline, marked by a substantial reduction in bee colonies in forested areas, has serious implications for sustainable beekeeping practices and poses a broader risk to ecological well-being. Addressing these pressing issues requires innovative solutions, one of which involves the development and fabrication of beehives crafted from composite materials that are ecologically compatible with bee biology. Importantly, these materials should also exhibit a high resistance to environmental factors, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, in order to maintain their mechanical integrity and longevity. To investigate this, we conducted accelerated UV degradation tests on a variety of composite materials to rapidly assess their susceptibility to UV-induced changes. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) served as the matrix material and was reinforced with natural fibers, specifically fique fibers (Furcraea bedinghausii), banana fibers, and goose feathers. Our findings indicate that UV radiation exposure results in a noticeable reduction in the tensile strength of these materials. For example, wood composites experienced a 48% decline in tensile strength over a 60-day period, a rate of deterioration notably higher than that of other tested composite materials. Conversely, HDPE composites fortified with banana fibers initially demonstrated tensile strengths exceeding 9 MPa and 10 MPa. Although these values gradually decreased over the observation period, the composites still displayed favorable stress-strain characteristics. This research underscores the substantial influence of UV radiation on the longevity and efficacy of beehive materials, which in turn affects the durability of natural wood hives exposed to these environmental factors. The resultant increased maintenance and replacement costs for beekeepers further emphasize the need for judicious material selection in beehive construction and point to the viability of the composite materials examined in this study.

Effect of the Addition of Fique Bagasse Cellulose Nanoparticles on the Mechanical and Structural Properties of Plastic Flexible Films from Cassava Starch.

One of the activities most representative of the agricultural sector in Colombia is the production of biodegradable fique fiber. The efficiency of the defiberization process of the fique leaves is very low since a mere 4% of the total weight of the leaf (cabuya) is used and marketed. The remaining 96%, composed of fique juice and bagasse, is considered to be waste and discarded, impacting the environment. The aim of this work was to study fique bagasse as a source of cellulose nanoparticles (CNCs). CNCs were obtained by acid hydrolysis and added at 10% to films made from cassava thermoplastic starch (TPS) by the casting method. Structural changes in the CNCs, TPS, and their mixtures were characterized by FTIR-ATR and their morphology and particle size by SEM and TEM microscopy, respectively. Thermal properties were analyzed using DSC and TGA, along with their effect on mechanical properties. Changes in the FTIR spectra indicated that the chemical method adequately removed hemicellulose and lignin from the fiber surface of fique bagasse. The CNCs showed a diameter and length of 7.5 ± 3.9 and 52.7 ± 18.1 nm, respectively, and TPS 10% CNC obtained an increase in mechanical strength of 116%. The obtainment of CNCs from lignocellulosic materials can thus be viewed as a favorable option for the subsequent reinforcement of a polymeric matrix.

Study of the Degradation of a TPS/PCL/Fique Biocomposite Material in Soil, Compost, and Water.

The degradability of the biocomposite produced from a binary mixture of thermoplastic banana starch (TPS) and polycaprolactone (PCL) reinforced with fique fibers (Fs) was evaluated in three different environments (soil, compost, water). An experimental design with two factors (soil and compost) and three levels (5, 10, and 20 cm) was used, with additional tests for a third aqueous environment (water from the lake of the Universidad del Valle) at a depth of 20 cm. The biocomposite was prepared from the implementation of a twin-screw extrusion process of the binary mixture TPS/PCL and fique fibers (54, 36, and 10% composition, respectively), followed by hot compression molding, and after that, generating ASTM D638 type V specimens using a stainless-steel die. The specimens were dried and buried according to the experimental design, for a total experimental time of 90 days, and removing samples every 30 days. After 90 days, all samples showed signs of degradation, where the best results were obtained in the compost at a depth of 20 cm (34 ± 4% mass loss and a decrease in tensile strength of 77.3%, which indicates that the material lost mechanical properties). TPS was the fastest disappearing component and promoted the degradation of the composite material as it disappeared. Finally, the aqueous media presented the lowest degradation results, losing only 20% of its initial mass after 90 days of the experiment, being the least effective environment in which the biocomposite can end up.

Thermal and Colorimetric Parameter Evaluation of Thermally Aged Materials: A Study of Diglycidyl Ether of Bisphenol A/Triethylenetetramine System and Fique Fabric-Reinforced Epoxy Composites.

The main modifications of thermal and colorimetric parameters after thermal aging of DGEBA/TETA system (plain epoxy) and fique-fiber woven fabric-reinforced epoxy composites are described. As a preliminary study, thermal analysis was carried out on epoxy matrix composites reinforced with 15, 30, 40 and 50% fique-fiber woven fabric. After this previous analysis, the 40% composite was chosen to be thermally aged, at 170 °C. Three exposure times were considered, namely, 0, 72, 120 and 240 h. Samples were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermomechanical analysis (TMA) and colorimetry analysis. Significant color changes were observed after thermal aging combined with oxidation. It was also found that the thermal behavior of the plain epoxy showed greater resistance after thermal exposure. By contrast, the composites were more sensitive to temperature variations as a result of thermal stresses induced between fique fibers and the epoxy matrix.

Exploring the Potential of Fique Fiber as a Natural Composite Material: A Comprehensive Characterization Study.

Many studies available in the literature focus mainly on the mechanical characterization of fiber, leaving out other physicochemical and thermogravimetric analyses that allow for establishing its potential as an engineering material. This study characterizes fique fiber for its potential use as an engineering material. The fiber's chemical composition and physical, thermal, mechanical, and textile properties were analyzed. The fiber has a high holocellulose content and low lignin and pectin content, indicating its potential as a natural composite material for various applications. Infrared spectrum analysis revealed characteristic bands associated with multiple functional groups. The fiber had monofilaments with diameters around 10 μm and 200 μm, as determined by AFM and SEM images, respectively. Mechanical testing showed the fiber could resist a maximum stress of 355.07 MPa, with an average maximum strain at which breakage occurs of 8.7%. The textile characterization revealed a linear density range of 16.34 to 38.83 tex, with an average value of 25.54 tex and a regain of 13.67%. Thermal analysis showed that the fiber's weight decreased by around 5% due to moisture removal in the range of 40 °C to 100 °C, followed by weight loss due to thermal degradation of hemicellulose and glycosidic linkages of cellulose ranging from 250 to 320 °C. These characteristics suggest that fique fiber can be used in industries such as packaging, construction, composites, and automotive, among others.

Mechanical behavior and physicochemical modifications in lignosulfonate-treated fique (Furcraea Andina) fibers

One of the most frequent problems in biocomposites is the physical/chemical incompatibility between natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLF) and the matrix. Physical and/or chemical treatments are the most common approach to improve interface properties. Seeking for environmentally friendly treatments, lignosulfonates (LSs) have been considered for surface modification of NLF due to their amphiphilic properties. Thus, the objective of the present work is to evaluate the influence of sodium LS (SLS) treatment protocols in the properties and mechanical behavior of fique (Furcraea Andina) fibers. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric (TGA) and spectroscopic (FTIR) analyzes were performed, as well as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fiber-diameter measurements and tensile tests. The results showed efficient surface cleaning from extractives and absorption of saline and aromatic components from SLS. Partial removal of lignin and hemicellulose was observed as well, manifested by an increasing in fiber crystallinity, decreasing in the intensity of the characteristic bands of C=O (acetyl and ester) and p-hydroxy-phenyl, and displacement in the temperature of cellulose pyrolysis to lower temperatures. These phenomena were stronger in the fibers with longer exposures to SLS. The SLS treatment protocols produce a narrower strength distribution, improving the reliability of the fibers relative to its mechanical behavior.

Textile wastewater depuration using a green cellulose based Fe3O4 bionanocomposite

Supported iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) on natural fiber surfaces have enormous potential in wastewater depuration strategies. We describe here the fabrication and advanced oxidation capabilities of a bionanocomposite based on cellulosic fique fibers (FF) decorated with magnetite (Fe3O4) NPs. The composite material’s assembly was monitored using FESEM, XPS, ATR-IR, XRD, and TGA. Cellulose in FF undergoes an alkaline treatment, resulting in a heterogeneous and positively charged microstructure with channels and cavities acting as nanoreactors, facilitating size control, dispersion, and stabilization of the Fe3O4 NPs via an ultrasonic-assisted co-precipitation method. The bionanocomposite material (FF/Fe3O4) promotes color removal from indigo carmine (IC) solutions via heterogeneous Fenton-like reactions. UV–vis and MS data show the removal of up to 90% of the color in IC-spiked model aqueous samples through oxidation reactions within 5 min for up to 10 cycles. The bionanocomposite catalytic performance is significantly affected by pH and oxidant (H2O2) concentration. In addition, after treating a real effluent from a denim factory with the FF/Fe3O4 bionanocomposite for 120 min, we observed reductions of 24% in chemical oxygen demand (COD), 100% in surfactant content, 99% in true and apparent color, and 99% in turbidity.

Nata de fique: A cost-effective alternative for the large-scale production of bacterial nanocellulose

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a biopolymer with an expanding market due to its properties. One important aspect related to BNC production is the culture medium composition, which is rich in carbon and nitrogen, and it represents 30% of the total cost of production. The aim of this work was to evaluate the use of fique juice, a by-product of the fique fiber isolation process, as an alternative source to produce BNC using the Komagataeibacter medellinensis strain, denominated as nata de fique. First, the fique juice was chemically characterized to determine its nutrient content. The nata de fique yield was calculated as gram of dry cellulose per littler of the medium; the physicochemical characterization of the nata de fique was analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-Ray diffraction and BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) surface area analysis. Finally, the environmental impact and financial analysis were also determined. It was found that using fique juice as a culture medium, the BNC production yield was 2.2 g BNC/L medium compared to BNC-HS, which was 1.14 g BNC/L medium, due to the chemical composition of fique juice, which presented a higher content of nitrogen and additives like Mg2+ and Ca2+. In the morphological analysis, the same nanoribbon structure was observed, and no changes in the crystalline parameters were detected. Nevertheless, there was a slight decrease in the thermal stability temperature, the crystalline index, and the surface area in the BNC produced with fique juice, due to the presence of some remaining impurities after the purification step. In the environmental analysis, nata de fique decreased the water consumption, carbon footprint, and raw material consumption, and the BNC production cost was twice cheaper than the HS culture medium. This research demonstrates that nata de fique is an alternative source of BNC regarding economic and environmental impact.

The Industrial Potential of Fique Cultivated in Colombia

The fique plant (Furcraea sp.) is a native plant of the Andean region with a great capacity to adapt to different environmental conditions, of which only 4% of the plant is used for developing natural fibers. The comprehensive use of fique and its by-products represents a source of opportunities for the industry and can play an important role in achieving sustainable development. The available literature suggests that fique fiber, juice, and bagasse could boost sectors such as agriculture, construction, the pharmaceutical industry, power generation, and the development of environmental solutions, among others. This review article could help researchers to understand the fique production system, introduces research experiences, and analyze the potential of recent developments for the industry.

Durability Evaluation of New Composite Materials for the Construction of Beehives

Given the current situation we face regarding climate change, one of the greatest and most critical concerns is related to the reduction in the bee population. This population largely depends on beekeeping production units around the world. However, these production units also face great challenges in the construction of beehives, as pine word generally deteriorates within a period of five years or less. This relatively rapid deterioration has both economic and environmental repercussions, which may affect the economic sustainability of the beekeeping system. The objective of this research was the production and subsequent evaluation of the durability of alternative composite materials that can be used in beehive construction. The materials are based on high-density polyethylene and agro-industrial residues (fique fiber, banana fiber, and goose feathers) from the Boyacá region of Colombia. The composite materials studied in the present study were exposed to xylophagous fungi for 90 days, at constant humidity and under controlled temperature conditions that are conducive to fungi proliferation. The results showed that composite materials that include fique fibers are the most promising substitute for wood in the construction of beehives. Indeed, these materials were shown to be 80% more resistant to pathogen attack and durable weight loss than pine wood. These durability results may be of great importance for future implementation in beekeeping production units. They have the potential to impact not only the sustainable development of rural communities, but also to make a great ecological contribution by reducing the need to cut down trees while maintaining the health of beehives.

Effect of fique fibers and its processing by-products on morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy based biocomposites

This work examines the morphology, mechanical and thermal properties of biocomposites based on epoxy resin-EP and fique (Furcraea andina), a native crop of South America. The EP-fique biocomposites were prepared using fique powder-FP an industrial waste generated during fique processing, nonwoven fique fiber mats-NWF and unidirectional fique fiber mats-UF oriented at 0° and 90°. The addition of fique into EP matrix restricts EP macromolecule chains movement and enhance the thermal stability of EP. SEM images showed that fique form used (powder or fiber) and mat arrangement can generate changes in the biocomposites morphology. Mechanical characterization show that fique powder and fique fibers oriented at 90° acts as fillers for the epoxy matrix while the fique fibers oriented at 0° reinforce EP matrix increasing the tensile and flexural modulus up to 5700 and 1100% respectively and tensile and flexural strength up to 277% and 820% in comparison with neat EP. The obtained results can increase the interest in researching and developing products from fique Powders and other natural fibers processing byproducts thus reducing the abundance of waste in soil and landfills and environmental concerns and suggest that the EP-fique biocomposites are promising to be used in the automotive sector.

Water Immersion Aging of Epoxy Resin and Fique Fabric Composites: Dynamic-Mechanical and Morphological Analysis.

Fiber-reinforced composites are among the most investigated and industrially applied materials. Many studies on these composites using fibers, especially with natural fibers, were made in response to an urgent action for ambient preservation. A particularly relevant situation exists nowadays in the area of materials durability. In this respect, no studies on water-immersion-accelerated aging in fique fiber–epoxy composites are reported. This work aimed to fill this gap by investigating the epoxy matrix composites reinforced with 40 vol% fique fabric. The epoxy matrix and the composite, both unaged and aged, were characterized by weight variation, water absorption, morphology, colorimetry (CIELAB method), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and dynamic–mechanical analysis (DMA). The main results were that degradation by water presents appearance of complex microfibril structures, plasticization of epoxy resin, and debonding of the fique fiber/epoxy matrix. The most intense color change was obtained for the water-immersion-aged epoxy by 1440 h. Cole–Cole diagrams revealed the heterogeneity of the materials studied.

High-performance sustainable tissue paper from agricultural residue: a case study on fique fibers from Colombia

Global sustainability megatrends are promoting the utilization of sustainably perceived fibers such as recycled and agricultural residue fibers in hygiene tissue applications. Tissue paper products advertised as sustainable have higher prices and inferior performance than conventional products manufactured from virgin wood fibers. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using agricultural residues from fique plantations (Furcraea microphylla genus) as an alternative to Northern Bleached Softwood Fibers (NBSK) in high-performance hygiene tissue applications. For our study, fiber residues were mechanically cleaned and upgraded to a tissue pulp using a simple pulping and bleaching process. A complete characterization of tissue paper properties (bulk, softness, water absorbency, tensile strength) was performed and compared against the NBSK market pulp. Additionally, fique residue pulp was blended with Bleached Eucalyptus Kraft (BEK) to match the performance of a selected benchmark consisting of 70% BEK and 30% NBSK. Results indicate fique residue bleached pulp has similar fiber morphology and comparable strength properties in terms of the tensile strength (+ 6%) and tear strength (+ 10%), but superior bulk (+ 12%), water absorbency (+ 28%), and softness (−29% TS7 values) than NBSK pulp. A fiber blend of 70% BEK and 30% fique residue showed superior tensile strength (+ 21%), tear strength (+ 54%), bulk (+ 5.5%), water absorbency (+ 1.5%), and softness (−8.7% TS7 values) over a similar fiber blend of BEK and NBSK. Our findings demonstrate that fibers from fique residue can substitute NBSK in hygiene tissue applications. Upgrading residues from fique fibers as raw materials for the tissue industry can bridge the gap between sustainability and product performance, simultaneously opening the possibility of new revenue streams for millions of small farmers in the producing countries.

Evaluation of Original and Enzyme-Modified Fique Fibers as an Azo Dye Biosorbent Material

As natural fibers, low-cost biosorbents have proven to be an effective and clean tool to remove textile dyes from wastewater. In this research, the Reactive Black 5 removal ability of original and enzyme-modified natural fibers were assessed. A fiber extracted from a Colombian fique plant (Furcraea sp.) was employed. The effects of fique fiber protonation with different solvents and dye solution pH on RB5 removal were evaluated. The biosorbent chemical composition was modified using the commercial enzymes pectinase, ligninase, and xylanase. The point of zero charge (PZC) of the original and modified material was measured, and the dye removal capacity of the three enzyme-modified fibers was determined. Fiber protonation with 0.1 M HCl and a dye solution with pH of 2.4 increased the RB5 elimination to 49.1%. The change in the fiber chemical composition led to a reduction in the PZC from 5.5 to a 4.7–4.9 range. Pectinase-pretreated fique fibers presented the highest dye removal of 66.29%, representing a 36% increase in RB5 dye removal. Although the original fique fiber showed RB5 dye removal ability, its enzymatic modification changed the charge distribution on the fiber surface, improving the capture of dye molecules. Enzyme modification can be applied to obtain new functionalities for plant fibers as biosorbent materials.

Materiales compuestos reforzados con fibras de fique-revisión

Fique is a fiber of South American origin that has adequate properties to be used as reinforcement in composite materials, recently there have been various research for the development of composite materials with this fiber type. This article compiles different studies into composite materials reinforced with fique fiber. Initially discussed the issues related to the properties and treatments most commonly used to fiber to improve their quality and adhesion, then the types of matrix and the main manufacturing techniques that have been used for the manufacture of composites reinforced with fique fiber are described, followed by the different tests and characterization tests that have been applied to them to know their main properties and finally, their applications and the use of micromechanical models to describe them.

Hydrogels Are Reinforced with Colombian Fique Nanofibers to Improve Techno-Functional Properties for Agricultural Purposes

Colombia is the world’s largest producer of fique fibers (Furcraea bedinghausii), with a net production of 30,000 tons per year. This work proposes to revalue waste from the Colombian fique agroindustry. For this purpose, cellulose nanofibers were obtained from fique and used as reinforcement material to create acrylic superabsorbent hydrogels. Unreinforced acrylic hydrogels (AHR0) and acrylic hydrogels reinforced with fique nanofibers at 3% w/w (AHR3), 5% w/w (AHR5), and 10 % w/w (AHR10) were synthesized using the solution polymerization method. The best hydrogel formulation for agricultural purposes was chosen by comparing their swelling behavior, mechanical properties, and using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). By raising the nanofiber concentration to 3% (AHR3), the best-chosen formulation, the interaction between the nanofibers and the polymer matrix increased, which favored the network stability. However, beyond AHR3, there was a higher viscosity of the reactive system, which caused a reduction in the mobility of the polymer chains, thus disfavoring the swelling capacity. The reinforced hydrogel proposed in this study (AHR3) could represent a contribution to overcoming the problems of land dryness present in Colombia, an issue that will worsen in the coming years due to the climate emergency.

Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Thermally Aged Fique Fabric-Reinforced Epoxy Composites.

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is one of the most common methods employed to study a material’s viscoelastic properties. The effect of thermal aging on plain epoxy and a fique fabric-reinforced epoxy composite was investigated by comparing the mass loss, morphologies, and DMA properties of aged and unaged samples. In fact, thermal aging presents a big challenge for the high-temperature applications of natural fiber composites. In this work, both plain epoxy and fique fabric-reinforced epoxy composite were found to have different molecular mobility. This leads to distinct transition regions, with different changes in intensity caused by external loadings from time-aging. Three exponentially modified Gauss distribution functions (EMGs) were applied to loss factor curves of fique fabric-reinforced epoxy composite and plain epoxy, which allowed identifying three possible mobility ranges. From these results it was proposed that the thermal degradation behavior of natural fibers, especially fique fiber and their composites, might be assessed, based on their structural characteristics and mechanical properties.