Author
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Akin, Danny |
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Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 6/20/2003 Publication Date: 9/19/2003 Citation: AKIN, D.E. FLAX FIBERS. KIRK-OTHMER ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY, JOHN WILEY & SONS. ON-LINE PUBLICATION. 2003. DOI:10.102/0471238561.0612012401110914.001. Interpretive Summary: There is world-wide interest in flax fibers for use in multiple applications. Information is often dated with information that does not reflect the current problems and potential applications of flax fiber. Current information is wanted by publishers of major reviews, encycolpedias, reference books. Research from laboratories all over the world was reviewed, major problems and potentials listed, and information put into context of the flax fiber of past, present, and future uses. Technical Abstract: Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a versatile plant, supplying both fiber and seed for industrial uses. The long, strong fibers processed for linen are prized for comfort and appearance in textiles, while shorter fibers are used in textile blends and for specialty paper, reinforced composites, and a variety of other lower-value applications. World production of flax fiber has declined from a few decades ago, but particular countries with a long history of flax, e.g., Russia and former soviet countries, China, and western Europe, are still strong in production and areas cultivated. To extract fibers, flax stems are first retted, which is a microbial process to loosen fibers from non-fiber tissues. The most widely used practice is dew-retting, where proper moisture and temperature support colonization and partial degradation by indigenous fungi. Low quality and other disadvantages of the practice have prompted research for new retting methods, particularly retting by cell free enzymes. Methods to test fiber properties exist, but uniform standards using objective measurements are needed. Research is being undertaken to develop standards towards a uniform classification system for flax fiber. Linen is about 3% of the textile market, having been replaced a few decades ago by cotton as the premier natural fiber for textiles. Still, linen continues to maintain a share of the luxury textile market. Potentially, the greatest future for flax fibers could be as refined, cleaned short fibers for textile blends and for composites. |
