Chemical Composition
Non-cellulosic polymers form the cementing matrix that binds individual plant cells together into structural bundles within dicotyledonous stems. In textile processing, bast fiber encrusting matter consists of these pectins, hemicelluloses, and lignins that must be partially removed to release spinable fibres. Efficient spinability requires a controlled reduction of these substances without degrading the central cellulose core.
Extraction Resistance
Processing flax stems through mechanical decortication fails to separate individual fibers if the binding gums remain intact. Incomplete retting leaves a high concentration of bast fiber encrusting matter on the technical fibre, which increases stiffness and causes frequent breakages during wet spinning. Chemical retting can bypass these mechanical limitations by using specific enzymes or hot alkaline solutions to dissolve the pectins quickly.
However, this method requires precise control of temperature and exposure time to prevent the chemicals from attacking the primary cell walls of the flax.
Industrial Measurement
Quantitative analysis of the residual gums determines the success of the scouring phase prior to final bleaching. Laboratory testing measures the loss of weight after boiling the raw material in mild alkaline solutions to calculate the proportion of bast fiber encrusting matter that was present in the sample. This measurement guides the spinner in adjusting the temperature and chemical concentrations of the spin bath.
