Physico-Mechanical Properties of (Agave Sisalanaia) Leaves Fibre for Engineering Application

Abstract

ABSTRACTS

Fibre was extracted from Agave sisalana leaves obtained locally in Adamawa state, Nigeria using water retting extraction procedure. Studies were carried out on its physical and mechanical properties. The parameters evaluated were fiber diameter which was found to range between (1.933 µm to 2.50 µm), lumen width ranged between (1.00 µm to 1.50 µm), from a wall thickness of (0.50 µm). Derived properties computed includes runkle ratio which was found to be within (0.867 to 1.784), slenderness ratio (106.3 to 128.3), and coefficient of flexibility of (56.01 to 74.55), the moisture absorption ranging from 3.00 % to 3.17 % and density ranging from 0.610 g/cm³ to 3.167 g/cm³. Mechanical properties determined were force at peak, elongation at break, tensile stress, tensile strain, modulus of elasticity and point of rapture which were found between 3.700 kgf to 8.600 kgf, 2.882 mm to 8.98 mm, 4.88 (kgf) to 5.92 (kgf), 0.0282 to 0.0899, 65.9 (kgf/mm²) to 206 (kgf/mm²) and 2.513 kgf to 8.198 kgf respectively. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis and graphs were plotted using Matlab R2007b. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to determine significantly different means, and the (ANOVA) tables were constructed from which observations and conclusions were made. The results shows that agave sisalana leaves fiber were characterized by high tensile strength, low density, and low moisture absorbency in comparison with other leave fibers in its category. Therefore it is recommended for possible utilization in pulp and paper making, leather embroidery, textile, and automobile product such as break pad, car bumper, and car interior.