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Title: BIOBASED FIBER PRODUCTION: ENZYME RETTING FOR FLAX/LINEN FIBERS

Author
item Akin, Danny
item Himmelsbach, David
item Morrison Iii, Wiley

Submitted to: Polymers and the Environment
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/3/2001
Publication Date: 8/1/2002
Citation: Akin, D.E., Himmelsbach, D.S., Morrison III, W.H. 2002. Biobased fiber production: enzyme retting for flax/linen fibers. Journal of Polymers and the Environment. Vol. 8, # 3, 2002. pp. 103-109.

Interpretive Summary: Retting, which is the separation of fiber from non-fiber tissues in flax, is the major problem in processing these fibers, and new methods are required to improve the industry. Researchers at the Russell Research Center have investigated use of enzymes as a new retting method and, specifically for this paper, reported the plant factors that have a major influence on retting. Results are significant in the appropriate types of enzymes are identified and the primary plant factors made known that have resulted in successful enzyme retting at the laboratory level.

Technical Abstract: Structural and chemical characteristics determine the effectiveness of retting of flax stems. Lignin in the bast tissue does not appear to be a major problem for retting, but aromatics associated with fibers could reduce processing efficiency or reduce fiber quality. The epidermis/cuticle is a formidable barrier to enzyme retting, preventing the epenetration of enzymes into the internal bast tissues. In the new enzyme-retting method, this barrier is mechanically disrupted, and chelators are included with pectinase-rich enzyme mixtures to improve retting. Such an approach is thought to be particularly effective in degrading Ca++-stabilized pectins primarily located in the epidermal regions. Optimization of the retting method should be continued, and further knowledge of the structure and chemistry of the bast tissues will reduce cost of enzyme formulations and improve specific properties of the fibers.