Microstructural, physico-chemical and mechanical characterisation of Sansevieria cylindrica fibres - An exploratory investigation

The microstructural, physical, chemical and mechanical properties of Sansevieria cylindrica fibres are described for the first time in this work. A microstructural analysis of S. cylindrica leaves showed the presence of structural fibres and arch fibres. Polarised light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of these fibres revealed a hierarchical cell structure that consisted of a primary wall, a secondary wall, a fibre lumen and middle lamellae. The cross-sectional area and porosity fraction of the fibre were estimated to be approximately 0.0245 mm(2) and 37%, respectively. The fibre density and fineness were approximately 0.915 +/- 0.005 g/cm(3) and 9 Tex, respectively. An X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared analysis of the fibres showed the presence of cellulose I-beta with a crystallinity index of 60%. Tensile tests showed that the corrected Young's modulus was approximately 7 GPa, the tensile strength was 658 MPa, and the total elongation was between 10% and 12%. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.