Properties of paper made from fibers of hesperaloe funifera (Agavaceae)

The long, thin fiber cells of Hesperaloe funifera have been identified as having potential value in paper-making, although no studies to date have reported data on their technical strength properties in test papers. This study summarizes evaluations done by the Herty Foundation on Hesperaloe fiber. Tensile strength, burst strength, and tear strength of paper made from Hesperaloe are significantly greater than those of softwood kraft, the industry standard. Tensile and burst strength of Hesperaloe pulps are also higher than those of abaca or sisal, two high-value specialty fibers; tear strength is somewhat lower in Hesperaloe. The fibers of Hesperaloe were processed in two ways-using a decorticator or using a roller mill. Pulp obtained from the decorticated leaf fibers had higher strength properties.