Sisal
Sisal
Sisal (/ˈsaɪsəl/, with the botanical name Agave sisalana) is a species of Agave native to southern Mexico but widely cultivated and naturalized in many other countries. It yields a stiff fibre used in making various products. The term may refer either to the plant or the fibre, depending on context.
Etymology
The term "sisal" has been used since the 19th century to refer both to the plant and the fibre made from it. The word is derived from the port of Sisal in Yucatán, Mexico, from where the fibre was first exported.
Pronunciation
The word "sisal" is pronounced as /ˈsaɪsəl/.
Related Terms
- Agave: A genus of monocots native to the hot and arid regions of the Americas. Sisal is a species of Agave.
- Fibre: A natural or synthetic substance that is significantly longer than it is wide. Sisal yields a stiff fibre used in making various products.
- Yucatán: A state in southeastern Mexico, where the port of Sisal is located.
Uses
Sisal is traditionally used for rope and twine, and has many other uses, including paper, cloth, footwear, hats, bags, carpets, and dartboards. The lower-grade fibre is processed by the paper industry because of its high content in cellulose and hemicelluloses. The medium-grade fibre is used in the cordage industry for making ropes, baler and binder twine. Ropes and twines are widely employed for marine, agricultural, and general industrial use. The higher-grade fibre after treatment is converted into yarns and used by the carpet industry.
Cultivation
Sisal plants, Agave sisalana, consist of a rosette of sword-shaped leaves about 1.5–2 metres (4.9–6.6 ft) tall. Young leaves may have a few minute teeth along their margins, but lose them as they mature.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sisal
- Wikipedia's article - Sisal
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