The Abaca Fiber and the Pulp
Commonly known in the international trade as Manila Hemp, it is considered the strongest of natural fibers. It is 3 times stronger than Sisal fiber, and is far more resistant to salt water decomposition than most of the vegetable fibers. Compared to synthetic fibers like rayon and nylon, abaca fiber possesses higher tensile strength and lower elongation in both wet and dry states. This establishes the fact that the natural fiber has better characteristics than the common man-made fibers. The fiber is mostly for cordage (ropes) and handicraft goods like bags, placemats slippers, doormats and others. When converted to pulp, the fibers finds extensive use in specialty paper making, where the principally desired characteristics are good strength and porosity, and in general, substantial wet strength. A scanning electron micrograph of a web of alpha-cellulose abaca fibers shows the relative smooth, straight nature of fibers. The pulp cellulose fiber has a mean length of 4 mm to 6 mm; and mean diameter of 17 to 21 microns. It has a narrow pointed end. By comparison, typical wood pulp has a fiber length of from 2 mm to 3mm and a diameter of about 40 microns. The high ratio of fiber length and fiber width partially explains the remarkable properties of abaca pulp. |