Sisal

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Contents 1 Material analysis 1.1 Traditional uses 1.2 Emerging uses / trends 1.3 Finish and aesthetic qualities 1.4 Surface forms / shapes 1.5 Cost analysis 2 Material properties 2.1 Primary structural use 2.2 Material performance 2.3 Dimensional and opening restriction 2.4 Acoustic property 2.5 Manufacturing process and assembly 3 Environment and Life Safety 3.1 Environmental impact 3.2 Flammability rating 3.3 Coefficient of friction 4 References 4.1 Notes 4.2 Student contributions 5 See also 5.1 Similar materials 5.2 Building references 6 External links 6.1 Additional resources 6.2 Leading manufacturers

Material analysis

MasterFormat Number: 00 00 00

Traditional uses

• Rope and twine

Emerging uses / trends

• Apart from ropes, twines and general cordage sisal is used in both low-cost and speciality paper, dartboards, buffing cloth, filters, geotextiles, mattresses, carpets and wall coverings, handicrafts, wire rope cores and macramé. ^[1]

It is also used as a binding material for plaster mouldings,to reinforce plaster in ceilings and walls, to reinforce plastic composite, and as a substitute for asbestos.

In recent years sisal has been utilized as a strengthening agent to replace asbestos and fibreglass and is increasingly a component used in the automobile industry ^[2].

Finish and aesthetic qualities

• It is a coarse, hard fibre unsuitable for clothing and upholstery, but accepts dyes.

Surface forms / shapes

• Cord/rope in a 'z' or 's' twist

Cost analysis

• Market price for air dryed metric ton (ADMT) is $2,000 ^[3]

Material properties

Primary structural use

None

Material performance

• It is strong, durable and stretchable, does not absorb moisture easily, resists saltwater deterioration, and has a fine surface texture that accepts a wide range of dyes ^[4]

Dimensional and opening restriction

• Fibre measures up to 1 m in length, with a diameter of 200 to 400 microns

Acoustic property

• Absorbs sound

Manufacturing process and assembly

• Sisal fibre is obtained from Agave sisalana, a native of Mexico. The hardy plant grows well in a variety of hot climates, including dry areas unsuitable for other crops. After harvest, its leaves are cut and crushed in order to separate the pulp from the fibres.

Environment and Life Safety

Environmental impact

Natural plant fiber, biodegradable, and renewable.

Flammability rating

• Each sisal product is different and each manufacturer should have the information if a test was performed.

Coefficient of friction

Each sisal product is different and each manufacturer should have the information if a test was performed.

References

Notes

1. ↑ http://www.naturalfibres2009.org/en/fibres/sisal.html
2. ↑ http://www.wigglesworthfibres.com/products/sisal/sisal.html
3. ↑ http://www.paperonweb.com/Articles/FAO_paper_sisal.pdf
4. ↑ http://www.naturalfibres2009.org/en/fibres/sisal.html

Student contributions

• Sarah Smith, Spring 2010

See also

Similar materials

• Coir, Flax, Jute, Ramie

Building references

None

External links

Additional resources

Wigglesworth Fibres

Natural fibres 2009

Natural Floorcoverings

http://www.paperonweb.com/Articles/FAO_paper_sisal.pdf

Coastal Style

Leading manufacturers

• Cultivated for fibre in Brazil, China, Cuba, Kenya, Haiti, Madagascar, and Mexico