Sisal Fibres
Botanical Information
- Agave sisalana is a species of flowering plant which is native to southern Mexico but is widely cultivated in different parts of the world.
- It belongs to Asparagaceae and the species Sisalana.
- It is a xerophytic, monocarp, and semi-perennial leaf fibre-producing plant.
Agroclimatic Conditions for Cultivation
- It is a tough plant that grows well throughout the year in hot climates and arid regions.
- At an altitude of about 900-1500m above sea level, it grows well as it obtains favourable atmospheric conditions.
- Annual rainfall of about 650mm during the planting season is necessary and tolerates drought conditions.
- It requires moderately fertile sandy-loamy soils for growing the crop. Planting this plant can be bothersome as it requires much manpower during the planting and harvesting season.
- As each plant requires space to thrive, a flat landscape is preferable.
- Brazil is the largest producer and exporter of the sisal fibres throughout the globe.
- A single sisal plant can produce about 200-250 leaves before flowering. Each leaf contains 1000-1200 fibre bundles.
Table 1. Physical & mechanical properties and chemical composition of areca nut fibres
Physical & Mechanical properties [2]
Length
150mm
Thickness
3mm
Density
151 den
Tensile strength
126-180 MPa
Elongation at break
1.54-3.85%
Chemical Composition [2]
Cellulose
67-78%
Hemicellulose
10-14 %
Lignin
9.9%
Moisture content
10%
Pectin
10%
Wax
2%
Ash content
0.6-1%
Name of the State / Area in hectare
Andhra Pradesh
1550 (22.7)
Bihar
280(4.1)
Madhya Pradesh
147(2.2)
Maharashtra
6500(9.5)
Orissa
3180(46.6)
Tamil Nadu
610(8.9)
West Bengal
350(5.1)
Production in quintal / Productivity in kg/ha
2325(23.5)
150
420(4.2)
150
270(2.7)
184
400(4)
62
5247(53)
165
980(9.9)
161
210(2.1)
60
Table 2: Availability of Sisal Fiber in Different States of India [2018]
Figures in parentheses indicate the percentage share of the total.
Features of fibre
- The sword-shaped leaves are arranged in a rosette fashion from which the fibres are extracted.
- The length of each leaf is around 1-1.5m.
- The sisal fibres are smooth, straight, and yellow.
- They are coarse and inflexible.
- It possesses high strength and durability, has the affinity for certain dyes, can stretch and is resistant to saltwater in terms of quality.
- These fibres are exceptionally durable with minimal maintenance and minimal wear and tear.
- Sisal is an anti-static fibre; hence, it does not attract or trap dust particles and is not water or moisture-absorbent.
- It can also be used for acoustics for its high sound and impact-absorbing properties.
Uses
- This cellulosic fibre is used commonly for making ropes, cordages, and twines.
- It is used in the shipping industry for securing small crafts, lashing, and managing cargo.
- Plant-based engineering products such as composites, automobile parts, etc. are experimenting with sisal and other non-conventional plant sources for a sustainable approach.
- Various products like spa storage baskets, rugs, slippers, carpets, disc buffers, coasters, etc. can be made from sisal fibres.
- Sisal fabrics exhibit a softer feel.
- Sisal fibres are blended with wool and acrylic fibres.
- These fibres can be used for non-woven matting, brushing as well as roving.
