Bio-Based Materials - Introduction to Chemicals from Biomass - page 218

cultivates henequen ( Agave fourcroydes ). Sisal plants consist of a rosette of
sword-shaped leaves about 1.5-2 m tall. The sisal plant has a 7-10 year lifespan
and typically produces 200-250 commercially usable leaves. Each leaf contains
around 1,000 packs of fibres. The fibre element, which accounts for only about 4%
of the plant by weight, is extracted by decortication. Sisal is valued for cordage
use because of its strength, durability, ability to stretch, affinity for certain dye-
stuffs and resistance to deterioration in saltwater. Sisal is used by industry in three
grades: lower-grade fibre is processed by the paper industry because of its high
cellulose and hemicellulose content; medium-grade fibre is used in the cordage
industry for making ropes; and, after treatment, higher-grade fibre is converted
into yarns and used by the carpet industry.
Sisal products are undergoing rapid development, such as furniture and wall
tiles made of resonated sisal. A recent development even expanded the range to
interior car parts. Other products developed from sisal fibre include spa products,
cat scratching posts, lumbar support belts, rugs, slippers and cloths. In recent years
sisal has been utilised as a strengthening agent to replace asbestos and glass fibre
as well as an environmentally friendly component in the automobile industry.

6.2.3.7 Coconut Fibres

The coconut palm ( Cocos nucifera ) is grown throughout the tropical world, for
decoration as well as for its many culinary and non-culinary uses; virtually every
part of the coconut palm has some human use. Coir (the fibre from the husk of the
coconut) is used in ropes, rugs and mats, brushes and as stuffing fibre. It is also
used extensively in horticulture for making potting compost.

6.2.3.8 Miscanthus

Miscanthus giganteus is a large, perennial grass imported from Asia. A perennial
plant of the Poaceae family (also known as Gramineae or true grasses), Miscanthus
is an interesting candidate for the production of biomass as its production poten-
tial is particularly high for a very low amount of agricultural inputs. It can grow to
heights of more than 3.5 m in 1 year and its production [8] can reach 30 t ha -1 a -1 .
While its fibres can be used for materials applications or as garden mulch, its
high productivity makes Miscanthus the perfect energy crop. It is currently used in
the European Union as a source of heat and electricity, especially in co-firing with
coal as its mineral content is low, or is converted into biofuels such as ethanol.

6.2.3.9 Bamboo

From the same grass Poaceae family as Miscanthus, there are more than 1,450
species of bamboo across the world. Growing in non-continental climate condi-
tions, bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, with reported growth
rates of 100 cm in 24 hr.