Exploiting Local Agave Plants (ELCAPA)

Abstract

ELCAPA’s objective to develop a circular economy based, renewable and sustainable vegetable-leaf bio-composite for load bearing maritime, aerospace and land based engineering applications as opposed to available vegetable-bast fibres. Local available agave is to be used, cultivated to exploit land that cannot be economically used for agricultural purposes, usually abandoned and unattended have poor soil conditions and minimal irrigation water. The plants require very little soil, nutrients and water and are an ideal candidate plant for the Maltese environment such as landfills (Magħtab).

ELCAPA explored and developed the method for fibre extraction resulting in least mechanical damage to fibres, the most economically and environmentally friendly production, fibres’ best optimised mechanical characteristics and fibre volume fraction optimised to produce a fit-for-purpose bio-composite, optimised for mechanical strength and integrity. The benefits of ELCAPA are increased economic activity in the agricultural area, material processing, fibre exports, greener composite boats and marine craft, components for the offshore and land based wind turbines.

The spin-offs can extend to further application of interior and exterior design aspects of buildings and the fleshy waste products or biomass generated from the extraction by decortication is usually disposed; the bio-mass may also be used as animal feed, natural fertiliser, cosmetic creams and produce biogas for an amount of electricity generation, thus closing the circular loop for the bio-economy aspects of the product.

Research of plants as the constituent fibre in bio-composites is still in its infancy and the market is advancing due to environmental concerns and the need for reduction of the carbon footprint. The research intends to accumulate knowledge on this innovative solution, putting the Maltese manufacturing capabilities and technological advancement at the fore-front of alternative environmentally friendly.