Abstract

HIDALGO-REYES, Martin; CABALLERO-CABALLERO, Magdaleno; HERNANDEZ-GOMEZ, Luis Héctor  and  URRIOLAGOITIA-CALDERON, Guillermo. Chemical and morphological characterization of Agave angustifolia bagasse fibers. Bot. sci [online]. 2015, vol.93, n.4, pp.807-817. ISSN 2007-4476.  https://doi.org/10.17129/botsci.250.

The main aim of this study was to characterize cooked bagasse fibers from Agave angustifolia Haw. The fibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray Diffraction and chemical analysis. The tensile strength was also tested using fibers with a uniform length (30 mm). The fibers were light brown in color, with a mean diameter and length of 501 μm and 144 mm, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed elliptically shaped cells with varying lumen size. Holocellulose content was approximately 82.12 %, and total lignin content was approximately 20.69 %. Due to the crystallinity and lignin content, the fibers proved to be thermo-stable until 220 °C. The mean values of tensile strength, Young's modulus, % strain (ε), and ultimate tensile strength were determined via mechanical tests. The results are comparable to those of other common lignocellulosic fibers, confirming their potential use as a reinforcing element in a polymer matrix to form a new biodegradable composite.

Keywords : chemical composition; crystallinity; mechanical tests; morphology; thermal analysis.

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