Resolving High Speed Optical Fiber Fineness Discrepancies in Degummed Bast Fiber Blends
Resolving high-speed optical fiber fineness discrepancies in degummed bast fiber blends requires applying cross-sectional shape and pectin correction factors.
Fibrillar Splitting Noise
Acoustic Signal
Sound waves generated by the separation of longitudinal sub-units within a fiber indicate the onset of structural failure. Fibrillar splitting noise is often detected using sensitive sensors during the high-speed drafting or combing of flax bundles. These audible or ultrasonic clicks correspond to the breaking of the hydrogen bonds that hold the crystalline regions together.
Damage Mechanism
Monitoring the frequency of these sounds allows operators to identify when the mechanical tension exceeds the elastic limit of the plant cell walls. High levels of fibrillar splitting noise suggest that the fibers are too dry or that the machine speeds are excessive for the current grade of material. Sounds are brief.
This degradation reduces the final strength of the yarn and increases the amount of short-fiber waste. Modern mills use acoustic monitoring to adjust the liquid application in wet spinning frames.
Process Boundary
Sensitivity of the detection equipment must be calibrated to ignore the background hum of the spinning room. While some fibrillar splitting noise is inevitable during the refinement of flax, a sudden spike indicates a batch of over-retted or weakened fiber. This data allows for the immediate rejection of a lot before it reaches the weaving stage.