Effect of retting methods on molecular weight of Agave atroverance fibers

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of retting method on the molecular weight of different portion of the Agave atroverance fiber (top, middle and bottom) extracted by different retting techniques. The raw fibers from Agave atroverance plant were retted by biological and chemical (degumming) retting methods. In biological retting method both the stagnant and boil water were utilized and in chemical retting method, the extracted fibres were treated with the 5% NaOH. Agave atroverance fiber is not purely cellulosic fiber. Percentage composition of different portion of the raw fiber was also determined. It contains α-cellulose, hemicellulose, nitrogenous matter, mineral matters and miscellaneous. The retted fibres were tested for determination of molecular weight. The percentage loss of molecular weight was found to be more in case of chemically retted fibres owing to the enhanced digestibility of lignocellulosic material by 4% sodium chlorite solution. Contrary to this, biological retting showed higher molecular weight due to the presence of higher cellulosic matter and removal of pectic substabces.