Study on Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber Composites Reinforced with Agave lechuguilla Fibers

Macromol—A Journal of Macromolecular Research 2026 Open access

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Authors: J. A. Maldonado-Torres, E. Rocha-Rangel, C. A. Calles-Arriaga, W. Pech-Rodriguez, J. López-Hernández, U. A. Macías-Castillo, M. C. Kantún-Uicab, A. Jiménez-Rosales, L. F. Martínez-Mosso, J. A. Castillo-Robles
DOI: 10.3390/macromol6010004
Cited by: 2
References: 30

Abstract

Agave lechuguilla fibers exhibit high tensile strength, low density and durability, but their use in natural rubber composites is underexplored. This study investigates alkaline-treated fibers (149–180 µm) as reinforcements for natural latex. Fibers were pretreated with a methanol–acetone mixture, followed by immersion in 10% NaOH at 70 °C for 1 h, removing lignin and hemicellulose as confirmed by FTIR and SEM. Thermogravimetric analysis showed three weight-loss stages: moisture/volatiles (9.4%), hemicellulose (peak at 341 °C), and cellulose/lignin (peak at 482 °C), with

Fields of Study & Subjects

Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites Advanced Cellulose Research Studies Lignin and Wood Chemistry

Publication details

Journal / source
Macromol—A Journal of Macromolecular Research
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
6
Issue
1
Pages
4–4
Publication date
12 January 2026
Language
EN