PROPERTIES OF HENEQUEN CELLULOSIC FIBERS

The physical properties, thermal stability, and interaction with liquids of cellulosic fibers isolated from henequen fibers (Agave fourcroydes) by an alkaline digestion process were determined. Physical dimensions, apparent length, and diameter of henequen cellulosic fibers were determined by optical microscopy in a random sample of 125 fibers. Other properties such as crystallinity, specific gravity, and cellulose type were also determined. The sorption of several liquids in these cellulosic fibers was measured and correlated to the polar and hydrogen bonding components of the solubility parameters of the liquids. The results show that, in general, henequen cellulosic fibers have properties that are in close agreement with those found in other cellulosic materials from natural sources. (C) 1995 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.