Natural fibres

Sisal

Also known as: Sisal fibre, Agave fibre

Stiff hard fibre from the leaves of the sisal agave — a classic rope and carpet material with high tensile strength.

~1 min read Fact-checked by Clubmartin Textile Editorial Last reviewed: Sources (1)

Description

Sisal is extracted from the fleshy leaves of the sisal agave (Agave sisalana) and takes its name from the Mexican port of Sisal, from where the fibre was first exported on a large scale in the 19th century. It contains 55–65 % cellulose and is one of the toughest natural fibres.

Brazil provides more than half of world production, followed by Tanzania, Mexico and Kenya. Sisal is classically made into ropes, twines, sacking and rugged carpets; today its importance is growing as a reinforcement fibre in composites for the automotive industry. In textiles proper, sisal is best known from rustic bags, runners, cat scratching posts and dartboards.

  • Very high tensile strength and stiffness
  • Rots slowly and resists pests
  • Fully biodegradable
  • Often combined with jute or coir in carpets

Properties

Fibre typeNatural fibre (plant-based, hard fibre)
OriginBrazil, Tanzania, Mexico, Kenya
ApplicationRopes, carpets, bags, composites
CareDo not wet clean — fibre swells and warps

Related product categories

Sources & references

1
  1. Wikipedia: Sisalfaser Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisalfaser

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