Separation Process
Industrial extraction of individual cellulosic fibres from the surrounding pectin and hemicellulose matrix relies on targeted chemical or enzymic breakdown. This purification step, termed bast fiber degumming, converts the stiff, harvested stalks into soft, spinable bundles. Without this treatment, the fibers remain cemented together in coarse bundles that cannot be drawn or spun into fine yarn counts.
Chemical Mechanism
Hot alkaline solutions solubilize the acidic polysaccharides that bind the fibres together. Sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate represents the primary active agent, often combined with chelating chemicals that bind calcium ions to weaken the pectin gel structure. Industrial processors must regulate the temperature and the exposure time to avoid degrading the cellulosic fiber core while ensuring sufficient pectin removal.
Spinning Preparation
Softened fibers undergo thorough washing and neutralizing cycles to remove residual chemicals before being dried and carded. Effective bast fiber degumming ensures that the fiber bundles can be separated during wet spinning, which determines the final yarn fineness and uniformity. If the treatment is too mild, the yarn remains hairy and uneven, while over-degumming weakens the fibers, leading to excessive breakage on the spinning frame and high waste rates, which reduces the overall commercial value of the processed batch.
