Structural Cohesion
Physical entanglement between cellulose bundles occurs during the initial stages of flax roving preparation. Bast fiber interlock determines the strength of the fiber ribbon before spinning begins. The degree of entanglement depends on the length of the individual flax strands and the efficiency of the gill boxes used in the drawing frame.
Ribbon Integrity
Proper alignment of the flax bundles is necessary to prevent the roving from drifting apart during the high-speed drafting process. Bast fiber interlock provides the internal friction required to hold the ribbon together as it passes through the rollers. Spinning mills monitor this property to avoid irregular thickness in the finished yarn.
Without sufficient interlock, the flax ribbon lacks the tensile strength to withstand the mechanical pull of the spinning frame.
Processing Outcome
Successful weaving relies on the production of a yarn that is both strong and smooth. Improved bast fiber interlock leads to a more compact yarn structure that resists abrasion during the weaving cycle. Chinese mills often adjust the drafting speed and the number of passages through the gill boxes to optimize this physical connection between the fibers.
Control of this interlocking mechanism is the primary factor in reducing yarn hairiness.
