Istle

Fibre (English: fiber ) or Fibre Mexico, occasionally also spelled fiber, is a yellow natural fiber. It is obtained mainly from the leaf ribs of two species of agave that grow on the Mexican plateau. It is the Agave lechuguilla or Ixtle agave and the Agave funkiana from the area of ​​Jaumave ( Ixtle Jaumave ). The Jaumave fibers are somewhat smoother, thinner and softer than Lechuguilla fibers. However, they may both be sold under the name Fibre Mexico.

Originally, the leaves were collected from wild plants. Later, began as a stronger demand for Mexico Fibre, also plantations were established. Attempts failed to grow the agave fiber delivered in other tropical highlands, such as in East Africa, or Java. The plants were able to develop not suitable for brush or brush making fibers, so that Mexico for Fibre has a natural monopoly. From the age of three in the plantations, the leaves are harvested three or four times a year. The completely trimmed fiber carries the trade name "Tampico - Fibre ", named after the port city of Tampico.

The benefits of fiber are made in exceptional resistance to acid, alkali and heat, as well as high elasticity and optimum Wasserabsorbierung. Therefore, the natural fiber Fibre in the areas of scrub brush, scrubbing brush, bath brush, massage brush and dishwashing brushes has its high value. Fibre can withstand temperatures above 200 ° C. There is no adequate substitution of other fibers for use under hohrer heat stress, for example in road construction as Teerschrubber or for machine brushes in hot environments. A mix of Mexico and Fibre Bassine from the sago palm is called the Union Fibre and frequently traded in the ratio 60:40, 50:50 or 40:60.

Fibre is now partially replaced by synthetically produced fibers. However, natural fiber has a higher resistance and absorbs unlike Kustfasern water.

• Ernst Bock: Brushes and paint brushes; The various products of the brush and brush -making industry and its main components. Bechhofen 1983. Pp. 145-148.

• Plant fiber