Characterization of physical and mechanical properties of sansevleria fibers.

Abstract

Sansevieria trifasciata fiber is anon conventional lignocelluloses fiber that was extracted from the leaves of the sansevieria plant by a mechanical method of retting and then undergone through the respective preparatory processes up to when they were dry. This method was considered the best method since there was less effect to the fibers during the extraction process. The extracted fibers were then examined or tested for their physical properties such as fiber length, elongation, length and diameter. There was also involvement of the treatment of fibers using caustic soda at various temperatures with an intention of achieving the effect of treatment of the fiber properties. It also encompassed testing of some mechanical properties especially the tensile strength test. Results were recorded down to evaluate the success of sansevieria fibers in relation to other fiber but cotton in particular. The accessing of the treatment on the sansevieria fiber was also realized especially on the mechanical element. Finally, it was realized that untreated fibers of the sansevieria fibers had a greater strength compared to the treated fibers. It was also realized that the treated fibers had a reduction with time as a catalyst was applied on them and also temperature was proved to have an effect on the fiber strength. The fibers were proved fit for textile application such as geotextiles since they were had a greater strength especially the untreated fibers. For the respective application of these fibers included curtains, table mats, ropes, geotextile application and many others.