Bundle Integrity
Tangling and surface attraction forces that hold a group of fibers together without the application of twist provide the necessary strength for a sliver to hold its shape. Strong inter-fibre cohesion prevents the strand from pulling apart under its own weight as it moves between machines. This property supports the stability of the untwisted flax during the early stages of spinning.
Surface Adhesion
Roughness and length of the individual flax strands contribute to the way they lock into one another. Fine fibers with a high surface area create more contact points, which increases the total cling. If inter-fibre cohesion is lacking, the roving may fray or snap during the transition from the roving frame to the spinning machine.
Moisture levels in the factory influence these forces by softening the remaining plant gums.
Processing Impact
Manufacturers adjust the density of the sliver and the pressure of the guide rollers to compensate for variations in this internal grip. Adding specific emulsions can increase the stickiness of the fibers if the natural gums were over-processed during retting. This intervention ensures that the fiber flow remains constant even at high production speeds.
When the grip is too low, the fiber assembly loses its structure. Conversely, excessive inter-fibre cohesion makes it difficult for the drafting rollers to pull the fibers apart, leading to knots and yarn defects.
