Determining Dry Mass Regain in Flax Roving Processing
Determining dry mass regain in flax roving requires 105°C thermal drying coupled with solvent extraction corrections to separate water loss from spinning oils.
Oven Drying 105c
Thermal Protocol
Standard thermal procedures for removing all volatile moisture from vegetable fibres involve heating the material in a ventilated chamber until the weight becomes stable. The process of oven drying 105c is the globally recognized method for establishing the bone-dry mass of scutched flax or linen yarn. This specific temperature ensures that the water evaporates quickly while the chemical structure of the cellulose remains intact.
Weighing Process
Operators place the pre-weighed samples in a forced-convection oven and monitor the loss of mass at regular intervals. While performing oven drying 105c, the technician must use a balance with high precision to detect the moment when the weight stops decreasing. The total time required depends on the density of the package and the airflow inside the machine.
Once the sample is dry, it must be weighed immediately or placed in a desiccator to prevent it from absorbing water from the room. Proper ventilation is essential to carry away the moist air and prevent the condensation of steam on the interior walls.
Fibre Limitation
Exceeding this temperature risks scorching the fibre and turning the pectin yellow. If the heat is too low, the core of the flax bundle will retain moisture and result in an incorrect calculation of the regain.