The main aim of this study was to characterize cooked bagasse fibers from Agave angustifolia Haw. The fibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray Diffraction and chemical analysis. The tensile strength was also tested using fibers with a uniform length (30 mm). The fibers were light brown in color, with a mean diameter and length of 501 ?m and 144 mm, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed elliptically shaped cells with varying lumen size. Holocellulose content was approximately 82.12 %, and total lignin content was approximately 20.69 %. Due to the crystallinity and lignin content, the fibers proved to be thermo-stable until 220 °C. The mean values of tensile strength, Young’s modulus, % strain (?), and ultimate tensile strength were determined via mechanical tests. The results are comparable to those of other common lignocellulosic fibers, confirming their potential use as a reinforcing element in a polymer matrix to form a new biodegradable composite.

In this paper, a constant speed control of slider-crank mechanisms for machine tools is proposed. A joint-task space hybrid controller based on a second-order sliding mode control and time-base generator was used to guarantee a constant speed trajectory tracking and a complete turn of the mechanism crank. A switching criterion was implemented in order to avoid the singularities located at the two extreme positions of the slider stroke. A trapezoidal speed profile with parabolic blends was designed directly over task space slider trajectory considering a constant cutting speed, the workpiece dimensions and the slider stroke length. Stability of the second-order sliding mode control was validated with the Lyapunov stability theory. Simulations were carried out to verify this approach.