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Title: NEW LOW COST FLAX FIBERS FOR COMPOSITES.

Author
item Foulk, Jonn
item Akin, Danny
item DODD, ROY - CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Fiber Flax Processing for Applications in Textiles and Composites
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/10/2000
Publication Date: 4/10/2000
Citation: Foulk, J.A., Akin, D.E., Dodd, R.B. 2000. New low cost flax fibers for composites. Fiber Flax Processing for Applications in Textiles and Composites.The Center for American Flax Fiber, Clemson University. Appendix III, p. 1-11.

Interpretive Summary: The US imports all the flax fiber it uses for textiles and composites, and there is a need to develop a flax fiber industry in the US for improved farm income and for improved global competitiveness. Research has been carried out on new harvesting methods, new processing methods, and cost estimates towards developing this new industry. This research is vital to understanding processing and costs needs, and information provides a framework for developing a successful flax fiber industry in the southeast US. New technology and separation techniques have lowered the costs to produce fibers that are more uniform in color, strength, length, and fineness and thus better suited for composites. Research has shown that traditional farm equipment can be used for harvesting flax that is low cost, readily available, and well understood by US farmers. Enzyme-retting of crimping flax, using pectinase-rich enzyme mixtures with calcium chelators, provides cleaner fibers of good quality and potentially could replace dew-retting. A preliminary economic study suggests that fiber flax can be grown with a profit margin. Further, initial results on straw residues from the flaxseed industry show that fibers of good yield and quality can be produced by the methods described herein.

Technical Abstract: New technology and separation techniques have lowered the costs to produce fibers that are more uniform in color, strength, length, and fineness and thus better suited for composites. Research has shown that traditional farm equipment can be used for harvesting flax that is low cost, readily available, and well understood by US farmers. Enzyme-retting of crimping flax, using pectinase-rich enzyme mixtures with calcium chelators, provide cleaner fibers of good quality and potentially could replace dew-retting. A preliminary economic study suggests that fiber flax can be grown with a profit margin. Further, initial results on straw residues from the flaxseed industry show that fibers of good yield and quality can be produced by the methods described herein.