ARS | Publication request: FLAX FIBER IN THE USA: PRODUCTION, PROCESSING AND EVALUATION.

Submitted to: Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: September 19, 2004
Publication Date: September 19, 2004
Citation: Akin, D.E., Foulk, J.A., Dodd, R.B., Morrison III, W.H. 2004. Flax fiber in the USA: production, processing and evaluation [abstract]. Abstracts of the Association for Advancement of Industrial Crops (AAIC) Annual Meeting. P. 9.

Technical Abstract: Flax (Linum ustitatissimum L.) provides fiber for multiple industrial applications, but none is produced in the U.S. Development of a domestic source of high and consistent quality flax fiber would supply industrial needs, meet priorities in ARS-USDA for new and sustainable and bio-based products, and improve farm economies. While the opportunities bode well for a flax fiber industry, research is needed to overcome key problems. Progress is reported for three areas of research undertaken by ARS-USDA and collaborators including: 1) improved retting, i.e., separation of fiber in stems, 2) mechanical fiber cleaning integrated with retting, and 3) objective standards to judge fiber quality. An enzyme-retting method has been developed to pilot plant level but must be improved based on cost and fiber properties. A USDA Flax Fiber Pilot Plant has been established for the first stage of mechanical cleaning. The Flax and Linen subcommittee of ASTM International has developed three approved standards, has a document on trash for committee balloting, and continues work on standards for other properties.