| Abstract Scope |
The Agave angustifolia Haw cultivation is primarily for the mezcal production, a renowned traditional alcoholic beverage from Oaxaca, Mexico. However, the disposal of agave leaves, a byproduct of this process, poses an environmental challenge. Nevertheless, recent studies have shown that these leaves possess desirable physical, chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties, making them an attractive material for reinforcement in polymeric matrices to create compounds. This trend of utilizing natural fibers as reinforcement in thermoplastic composites, particularly in 3D printing or Additive Manufacturing (AM), is gaining attraction. This study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of polypropylene composites with agave fibers, both chemical treated and untreated, in varying proportions, using injection and 3D printing techniques. To characterize the composites, mechanical, thermal, and morphological tests were conducted in accordance with ASTM standards. Additionally, dynamic mechanical and thermogravimetric analyses were performed. The impact of alkaline treatment on the interfacial adhesion and mechanical properties of the agave fibers was also assessed. The inclusion of agave fibers in the composites led to an improvement in thermal stability, as evidenced by an increase in storage and loss modulus. Similar enhancements have been reported for sisal and hemp fibers. Among the injected composites, those containing 3% treated fiber demonstrated superior mechanical and thermal properties. These findings suggest that agave fibers have significant potential as natural reinforcement, offering enhanced thermal and mechanical stability in both injected and 3D printed composites at a low cost. Thus, it represents an appealing alternative as a green composite material. |