So, cultivation of sisal fiber can be a solution of poverty problem in poor countries. Its productive life can reach up to 12 years and produces 180-240 leaves (depends on location). Sisal could be harvested from one-two years after planting. Relatively simple cultivation as it is resilient to disease and easy-care requirement is low compared to other crops. The sisal plant can be cultivated in most soil types except clay and low tolerance to very moist saline soil conditions. Sisal plant grows well in a hot climate and arid regions all year round.
Untreated sisal exhibits higher tensile modulus and hardness than the unloaded resin.Strands are strong and consist of many individual fibers held together by natural gum.After careful processing, sisal is of creamy white color.Fibers tend to be stiff and rather inflexible.Fibers have high strength, lustre and good color.Can be dyed easily and dyed color range is quite large.Exceptionally durable with low maintenance.Mechanical properties of sisal: Characteristics Thailand, others East Africa and other southern American countries.Ĭhemical composition of sisal: Components.Sisal Producing Countries: Fig: World Sisal Fiber Production (2013) Now Brazil and China are the main producing countries of Sisal. And in 1948 first sisal fiber exports from Brazil were made. In the late 1930’s, first commercial sisal plantings were made in Brazil. Then its spread to the African countries, notably in Tanzania and Kenya, and Asia.
Sisal cultivation was spread to Florida, Caribbean islands and Brazil in the 19th century. It derives its name ‘sisal’ from the Yucatan part of Sisal on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a cactus Agavaceae (Agave) family’s a stiff fiber traditionally used to make twine andmarine rope. Sisal is a leaf fiber like PALF that comes from the sisal plant, its scientific name is Agavesisalana.