Characterization of Agave americana L. plant as potential source of fibres for composites obtaining

Abstract

This paper summarises the results obtained from the characterization assays from century plant (Agave americana L.), determining the chemical composition of different parts of the plant. Fibres were obtained by means of a mechanical device, specifically designed and built for Agave americana leaves processing. Obtained fibres were subjected to thermogravimetric analysis and infrared spectra, and their chemical composition was also determined by quantitative acid hydrolysis. Once obtained, fibres were blended up to 40% (in weight) to obtain composites by compression moulding, using polyethylene as matrix; mechanical testing show improvements in elastic modulus for both tensile and flexural tests; increase in flexural maximum strength were also found for the composites, while tensile strength is slightly reduced with the introduction of agave fibres. The research is part of a project developed in the Macaronesian region, which aim is to demonstrate the feasibility of using biomass from invasive plant species in the composites sector as a way of financing control campaigns and habitats conservation labours, which is the main novelty of this research.