Key Physical & Mechanical Properties
Property Typical Range / Value
Source Plant Agave lechuguilla (ixtle)
Density ~ 1.79 g/cm³ (lechuguilla fiber)
Linear Density 5.97 – 10.74 decitex (depends on provenance)
Tensile Strength / Load Max load: ~19.67 to 22.84 Newton (from strands of 10 fibers)
Young’s Modulus ~7.39 GPa (for Agave lechuguilla fiber)
Elongation / Strain at Break 6.8% (for lechuguilla fiber)
Moisture Absorption High — in one study, 55.16% water absorption for lechuguilla fiber under test conditions.
Thermal / Chemical Resistance Good resistance to acids, alkalis, and high temperature (some sources say up to ~140 °C or more)
Performance & Functional Characteristics
Water Holding: One of Tampico fiber’s most valued traits is its ability to absorb and retain water. According to a manufacturer, it can absorb ~65% more water than some plastics. Widdops - The Industrial Brush Company
Abrasion / Roughness: The fiber surface has a slightly abrasive texture (due in part to microscopic crystals, e.g., calcium oxalate), which makes it effective for polishing or scrubbing. Mysite
Elasticity: It is reasonably elastic, which helps bristles made from tampico retain shape.
Durability: It holds up well under repeated use, even in wet or chemically aggressive environments.
Biodegradability: As a natural fiber, it is biodegradable.
Commercial / Trade Variants
Colors: Natural (cream), dyed (e.g. black)
Cut Lengths: Suppliers provide various lengths, e.g., 200 mm, 250 mm, 300 mm, etc.
Bundles / Packaging: Often sold by weight: e.g., 250 g, 500 g, 1kg, 5kg bundles.
Mixtures: Can be mixed with other natural fibers (e.g., coco, palmyra) or even synthetic fibers for custom brush or filament applications.
Applications
Tampico fiber is widely used in:
Brush making: scrubbing brushes, floor brooms, personal hygiene brushes, bath brushes.
Polishing / finishing brushes for metals, wood, etc., due to its abrasive but non-damaging nature.
Rope, cords, mats — sometimes used in textiles or craft due to its strength and natural origin.
Industrial strip brushes / brush rolls.
Example Products
Here are some commercially available products that use tampico fiber (not raw bundles, but illustrate how it’s used):
Redecker Tampico Fiber Dish Brush — A small brush using natural tampico fiber bristles.
Tampico Fiber Cut Buffing Brush — Brush used for buffing / polishing.
REDECKER Tampico Fiber Bath Brush — A bath brush made with tampico bristles.
Summary
In short, Tampico fiber bundled is:
A natural agave-derived fiber (mainly from Agave lechuguilla)
Stiff but somewhat flexible, with good elasticity and abrasion
Highly water absorbent, making it great for wet scrubbing or polishing
Resistant to acids, alkalis, and moderately high temperature
Biodegradable, making it environmentally favorable
It’s supplied in bundles by weight, with varying lengths and sometimes colors. Its robust mechanical properties make it ideal for a wide range of brush applications and industrial uses.
