Abaca Fiber: A Renewable Bio-resource for Industrial Uses and Other Applications

Abstract

Abaca fiber is considered as one of the strongest among natural fibers which is three times stronger than sisal. This is one of the finest among natural fibers and believed to be resistant to salt water decomposition than any other vegetable fibers. It originated in the Philippines and is one of the dollar earners of the country for centuries. The fiber cells of mature abaca is longer and has thicker cell wall than younger abaca pseudostems which would suggest that the cell growth is more on the increased in length and thickened cell walls rather than the expansion of the cell diameter by itself. Aside from the novel compounds, the dominance of some essential elements in the abaca fiber would possibly lead to soil fertility decline due to crop uptake. Moisture content of the dried fiber should be lower than 14 % to avoid deterioration and microbial damage caused by molds and fungi. Tensile strength and E-modulus are important parameter of abaca fiber specifically for aerospace and automotive applications. Pulp and paper are the principal interest best suited for bank notes, currency papers, cigarette filters, toiletries, lens cleansing, tea bags, and other related products. Composites were also an interesting uses of abaca fiber for aerospace and automotive industries. Geotextiles are other uses of natural fibers (e.g., abaca) for environmental protection specifically for soil conservation and control of soil erosion. New application of natural fiber is on the rise such as the preparation of cellulose nanocrystals as components of the composites. However, threats and emerging issues are one of the concerns in the sustainability of the major abaca growing areas around the globe. Nutrient depletion, which often leads to soil degradation, is one of the major threats of the industry. As a consequence, under these conditions, abaca plants are vulnerable to various environmental stresses such as the occurrence of the threatening disease such as the abaca bunchy top virus disease.