Structural and Mechanical Characterisation of Five Agave Fibres for Sustainable Textile Applications

This study evaluates the textile potential of five underexplored Agave varieties (Agave salmiana crassispina, A. salmiana salmiana, A. ingens marginata, A. tecta, and A. mapisaga) through combined analyses of extraction behaviour, microstructure, and single-fibre mechanical performance. Fibres extracted from basal, middle, and upper leaf sections were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and single-fibre tensile testing under controlled conditions. All varieties produced spinnable fibres and exhibited significant longitudinal variability in mechanical behaviour along the leaf axis (p < 0.05). Mechanical performance depended strongly on both species and leaf position, with fibres from the middle leaf section generally showing higher tenacity. Variations in Young’s modulus reflected differences in fibre maturity and internal microstructural organisation. Fractographic observations revealed predominantly brittle fracture with microfibrillar rupture and longitudinal fibrillation. Overall, the results demonstrate that agave species and leaf position are key parameters governing fibre performance. These agave varieties therefore represent promising candidates for sustainable textile applications, provided that appropriate fibre selection and blending strategies are implemented to ensure homogeneous yarn properties.